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More than 2,000 NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) employees and contract crews from across the state are working in Western North Carolina to reopen roads, clear debris and make repairs to damaged infrastructure.

NCDOT staff have identified more than 5,400 damaged sites with over 450 damaged bridges.

Crews have already reopened more than 460 roads and will continue to update DriveNC.gov with the latest closure and detour information.

NCDOT’s Aviation division is using drone technology and the agency’s Photogrammetry unit are using aircraft to assist with the inspection of damaged roads, bridges and culverts.

Drone pilots have completed about 200 UAS missions to inspect infrastructure and provide high-quality imagery for analysis by engineers.

The drone imagery is being used to help engineers make informed decisions on repairs needed to damaged infrastructure across the region.

If you are interested in donating your time, money or resources to help with relief efforts in Western North Carolina, please visit ncdps.gov/Helene.

For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on NCDOT.gov.