During the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) meeting on December 4, 2024, VDOT staff gave a presentation outlining the details and path of Hurricane Helene, how the agency prepared for the storm, the aftermath of the storm and the ongoing response and recovery effort.
Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage in Southwest Virginia. This is portrayed, not only through the disturbing images of the damage throughout the presentation, but through VDOT’s reporting and statistics on the storm’s aftermath.
VDOT reports that:
- At the peak, there were 414 roads and 99 structures closed
- Currently, there are only 7 roadways closed
- 511,000 cubic yards of debris was dispersed
- 110,000 cubic yards have been collected
- Contractors have collected 6,000 cubic yards (ongoing)
- $22 million dollars have been spent since November 20
- $17 million in Bristol District alone
- 2500 VDOT staff engaged in initial response
- Teams from Fredericksburg, Northern Virgnia, Richmond, Hampton Roads and Staunton helped with the initial response showing that a statewide effort was needed.
- 7 locality requests for assistance were fulfilled
Response activities that are ongoing include:
- Clearing downed trees from roadways
- Cleaning ditches and structures of debris
- Closing and monitoring overtopped roads and establishing detours
- Inspecting roads and structures for damage
- Making emergency repairs to roadways, where possible
- Communicating road closures and priorities to the public
- Staffing Virginia Emergency Operations Center and VDEM Regional Coordination Center
As for the long-term recovery after the storm, VDOT staff estimates that a total cost of the damage from Hurricane Helene is $132 million. VDOT expects it will take 12 months to rebuild damaged roads and structures that were impacted by the storm with the funding coming from maintenance and operations programs. The agency will seek FEMA and FHWA reimbursement and are hoping to get highly reimbursed (75% to 100% the total cost) for this unforeseen expense. VDOT is aware of the fact it may take up to three years to receive all federal reimbursements. As for the debris, the agency estimates it will take 3-6 months to collect all debris which includes collecting debris in lakes, hazardous materials in streams and removing trees and other hazards that pose threats.
VACo is incredibly thankful to VDOT and contract staff for the amazing work being done to help localities and communities’ recovery from this awful storm. VACo will be sure to provide updates as they become available on the recovery from this horrible disaster. To view the full presentation given to the CTB, please click here.
VACo Contact: James Hutzler