NEWPORT, Tenn. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy visited East Tennessee on Monday morning to tour the damage along I-40 caused by Hurricane Helene. Appointed by President Donald Trump and in office since January 28, Duffy spent the day in Cocke County to assess the destruction and gather updates on ongoing recovery efforts.
“We were heartbroken last year watching Hurricane Helene devastate communities in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee,” said Duffy. “When one part of our country hurts, our entire nation hurts. That is why it’s a priority for me to help the people of North Carolina and Tennessee rebuild this vital highway, ensuring their communities stay connected to the rest of both states.”
The impact of Hurricane Helene remains evident, particularly in North Carolina, where the eastbound lanes of I-40 collapsed into the Pigeon River. The highway remains closed on that side, though Duffy received an update on progress being made in the region.
During a meeting with North Carolina Governor Josh Stein in Haywood County, Stein shared promising news about the reopening of I-40. “Today, I am pleased to announce that we will reopen two lanes of I-40 by March 1,” Stein said. “I am proud of NCDOT’s commitment to this challenge and the roadworkers who have worked tirelessly to reopen roads and keep people safe. Reopening these lanes will help reconnect North Carolina and Tennessee and allow us to welcome back visitors to bolster the economy.” However, a full repair timeline for the road remains uncertain.
In addition to the visit, Duffy announced a new partnership between the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The collaboration will grant a “special use” permit for the extraction of rock and other construction materials from Forest Service land and a nearby river. Duffy emphasized that this initiative will speed up repairs and help reduce costs for the restoration process.
As communities in both states continue to recover, Duffy’s visit underscores the federal government’s commitment to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring connections in the wake of the devastating hurricane.
