UPDATE: Officials with the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) celebrated the reopening of the Interstate 26 twin bridges on Monday.

TDOT says both bridges in Unicoi County were destroyed by Hurricane Helene on September 27, 2024.

PREVIOUS STORY: Interstate 26 in Unicoi County is now open to all traffic except oversized loads, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) says. This is a part of the department's Helene recovery efforts.

From mile markers 39 to 40, traffic is expected to shift entirely to the westbound lanes, with one lane traveling each way.

TDOT reports, the westbound bridge has also been given a temporary fix in order for people to cross the Nolichucky River .

Work continues on the eastbound side of the interstate.

" This is a huge development,

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