Erwin, TN (WOKI) Thousands of tons of asphalt and rock later and in just 33 days, connectivity is restored to a small East Tennessee town as a portion of I-26 is reopened Wednesday in Unicoi County.

The small town of Erwin relies on major roads like I-26. Speaking to media Wednesday, Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Butch Eley highlighted why getting this portion open was so important.

“The reality is, this means so much more than the assets that we’re putting in to the ground,” Eley said. “This is about community. This is about connectivity. This is about making sure that our people in this community and those around are able to access the basic needs that they’re trying to get to.”

Eley said one lane of I-26, in each direction, in Erwin is now open to non-commercial traffic. Commercial traffic is still being rerouted to I-81 and I-77. Additionally, wide loads over 12 feet still are not permitted on the interstate.

TDOT officials added crews used more than 5,000 tons of asphalt and 33,000 tons of rock to repair the bridge around exit 37.

Wednesday’s reopening comes after September flooding from Hurricane Helene closed almost 50 thoroughfares across East Tennessee.