Tennessee Strike Force Team At Work In East Tennessee

The Tennessee Department of Transportation Strike Force team and bridge inspection crews have been dispatched to East Tennessee to assist with recovery and repairs following historic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.

Region 4’s bridge inspection team is inspecting impacted bridges with high water, assessing the erosion of soil around its piers and abutments due to water flow. The team members assisting will allow the inspection teams to cover more ground, potentially opening any closed routes.

The Strike Force team is a specialized group that can deploy quickly in a disaster with the equipment needed. This team is made up of emergency responders, engineers, and transportation experts who work to remove debris and ensure public safety.

Damage statistics on state roadways as of midday Sunday, September 29th looked like this….27 state roadway sections closed, 14 state bridges closed, and Five state bridges destroyed.

While there is no immediate timeframe for full repairs, TDOT’s current priority is ensuring public safety and reconnecting communities that have been severed due to damage.