TDOT announces SR-81 has reopened after repairs

The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced that Tennessee State Route 81 had reopened Friday in Washington and Unicoi counties. A 1.1-mile section of the route had to be reconstructed after damage from Hurricane Helene. The reopening eliminates a detour that added an hour of extra driving for more than 5,400 vehicles daily. TDOT also reported that all but 6 roads initially closed by Helene have now reopened.