After Tropical Storm Helene devastated western North Carolina, VHB helped the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) repair bridges on N.C. 197 South in the steep, flood-scarred Cane River Basin. Rather than simply repairing damaged infrastructure, the project focused on building long-term resilience against future storms. VHB conducted comprehensive assessments of more than 40 damaged bridges, developing repair plans that addressed the region's complex challenges including channel migration, embankment scour, debris flow, and flood risk.
VHB's approach integrated 2D hydraulic and geomorphic modeling with geotechnical and environmental analysis to test resilient alternatives that respond to the landscape's natural processes. The team fast-tracked design, permitting, and utility coordination to accelerate construction timelines. In addition, VHB supported NCDOT's progressive design-build project along N.C. 197 South by developing solutions for roadway reconstruction, bridge replacement, slope stabilization, and retaining walls. This work reconnected isolated communities and restored critical transportation access across rural areas still recovering more than one year after the storm, helping residents and businesses rebuild while strengthening infrastructure resilience for generations to come.
