BAT CAVE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Repairs to U.S. 64 and N.C. 9 in the Bat Cave area are moving forward as the North Carolina Department of Transportation continues long-term reconstruction following damage from Tropical Storm Helene.

NCDOT said Friday that crews have reopened portions of U.S. 64, completed one retaining wall and are continuing drainage repairs. The corridor remains open only to local traffic and work crews. Final completion on U.S. 64 is expected next fall.

Work is also progressing on N.C. 9, where permanent repairs are underway on the lower section near Bat Cave and the upper section near the Henderson/Buncombe county line. The lower stretch is expected to take about another year as crews complete retaining walls, drainage improvements and full roadway reconstruction.

The upper section, which sustained more extensive damage, is expected to take roughly two years to finish because of the level of stabilization work required.

An NCDOT spokesperson said temporary wall work is complete in the lower section and contractors are preparing to begin permanent wall construction.

“You’ve seen a lot of the rock work get finished. Now, you’ll start to see more of the road work begin,” the spokesperson said.

Safety improvements are beginning this week on the upper portion, with permanent construction to follow.