SWANNANOA, N.C. (828newsNOW) – Local residents are planning a party for the reopening of a bridge and for debris removal next week – a rather odd, yet beautiful occasion for a town torn in two.
After nearly five months, Swannanoa is continuing a recovery effort that will surely take years. But progress is being made and hope is bountiful. At noon on Wednesday, Feb. 26, the community is set to gather to celebrate two significant milestones in the post-hurricane clean up. The Whitson Avenue bridge will be reopened and the Live Edge Wood and Carpet City buildings are to be removed.
Swannanoa has always found ways to come together, creating space for joy even in the face of overwhelming challenges. This event serves as a reminder that no matter the obstacles, this community is determined to rebound stronger than ever.
The Whitson Avenue bridge was one of only a few crossings over the Swannanoa river connecting the north and south sections of the Western North Carolina town. Since Hurricane Helene struck on Sep. 27, 2024, the bridge has been in various states of rubble. Slowly, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) made headway on rebuilding. Today, the bridge is crossable for construction workers. Soon it will be reopened to the public too.
The reopening of the crossing is set to coincide with the demolition of two collapsed commercial buildings opposite the bridge. Live Edge Wood and Carpet City were completely gutted in the floodwaters of Hurricane Helene. There was nothing left to salvage. Since then, they have shakily stood awaiting their fate. The razing and removal of debris slated for next week has been scheduled by the Swannanoa Grassroots Alliance (SGA), a group leading the charge in local recovery efforts.
State and County representatives are expected to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday. The symbolic snip of caution tape is to be performed by Steve Senn, owner of the once lively Live Edge Wood.
Community members and the press are invited to join in this celebration of progress. Music and light refreshments will be provided.
