Hurricane Helene moved a Virginia bridge; its $195.5M replacement opens

The movement of the bridge was a demonstration of how floodwaters and the strength of the storm can overcome even the strongest infrastructure.Another milestone in a major Hurricane Helene recovery project in Southwest Virginia, as the replacement Route 1212 bridge opens to traffic in Damascus on September 1. According to reports, the bridge across Laurel Creek was one of hundreds of transportation structures damaged in the powerful storm that hit the region in September 2024. Drivers on the new bridge, which is now finished, are being told to be careful while work continues to finish off around the site, states an online report by the Virginia Department of Transportation. It has been reported that Hurricane Helene left more than 500 sites needing repair at an estimated cost of $195.5 mil