Ford Rebuilt After Recent Rains Cause Disruptions
Yancey County’s Little Creek community is still reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck over three months ago. The storm caused significant damage, washing away essential access routes. In response, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) constructed a temporary ford to allow residents to traverse the area. However, recent heavy rains over the weekend wiped out this makeshift solution, leaving residents stranded for a day. On Monday, December 30, NCDOT crews worked to rebuild the ford.
Tyler Shelton, the maintenance engineer overseeing Madison and Yancey counties, highlighted the challenges of the situation. “We can’t really work until the river subsides,” Shelton explained, likening the current delay to what they faced during the initial flooding. The rebuilt ford provides a quick fix, but frustrations among residents remain high as they await a more permanent solution.
Residents Voice Frustration Over Prolonged Issues
While NCDOT has prioritized swift reconstruction of the ford, not all residents are satisfied. Cody Bradford, a Little Creek resident, expressed his disappointment with the ongoing situation. Bradford recounted how the community had temporarily restored Little Creek Road themselves, only for NCDOT to deem it unsafe and block access. “They blocked it off, and we’re stuck with this,” he said, referring to the reliance on the ford.
Shelton defended the decision, stating that the ford is currently the most cost-effective and practical solution to ensure immediate access. He also revealed plans for a temporary bridge to replace the ford, which will remain in place until the bridge is complete. Despite these assurances, concerns linger among residents who feel left in the dark about the timeline and final resolution.
Plans for a Bridge Offer Hope Amid Ongoing Concerns
Bradford’s primary concern is ensuring that the Little Creek community is not overlooked as recovery efforts continue. “Everybody just wants to know what’s going on and when this will be fixed,” he said, urging for better communication from authorities. For NCDOT, public safety remains the top priority. Shelton emphasized that the rebuilt ford allows emergency vehicles and residents to access the area safely, addressing immediate needs while they work on longer-term solutions.
The road to recovery for Yancey County has been fraught with challenges, but the planned temporary bridge offers a glimmer of hope. Until then, residents remain dependent on the ford, navigating the uncertainty of when their community will fully recover.
