The Interstate 26 East bridge in Unicoi County, Tenn., is now open to traffic on both lanes for the first time since it was washed away by the Nolichucky River during Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Mark Nagi, a spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), shared the news on social media Tuesday, confirming that the bridge over the Nolichucky River on I-26 East has resumed two-lane traffic.

Work is still ongoing on the I-26 West bridge.

The new I-26 East bridge was completed in March.

Earlier in August, TDOT announced a traffic shift was taking place as repairs were finalized on the bridges.

TDOT also reopened the entrance ramp from Jackson Love Highway onto I-26 West.

TDOT previously stated both bridges are expected to be completely reopened on or before Sept. 15, 2025.