Work continues to restore power across the Nolichucky River

JOHNSON CITY — BrightRidge electric construction crews will be completing final work late Monday on support structures necessary to allow sag in longer conductor lines needed to cross the Hurricane Helene-widened Nolichucky River channel at Bailey Bridge in southern Washington County.

As of Monday evening, BrightRidge had about 1,839 outages remaining south of the river and another 335 outages in the remainder of the four-county service area.

BrightRidge CEO Jeff Dykes said BrightRidge construction crews are working with local and state officials to prepare the Jackson Bridge for crossing with additional electrical conductor wire once the work at Bailey Bridge is complete. Only three of the six Washington County bridges across the Nolichucky River remain intact.

“All of our crews are working as hard as humanly possible to push new power lines across the river,” Dykes said. “Once we can get that done, we can begin looking to restore distribution lines on the southern side of the river where possible.”

As recovery work continues in the area at a brisk pace, any person who finds it necessary to travel in the disaster zone should use the utmost caution in recognition of broken pavement and ongoing utility and restoration work.

BrightRidge crews and contractors also continue to work around the clock to restore the 336 remaining outages in the service area north of the Nolichucky, with construction crews focused on restoring power across the river.

As always, BrightRidge warns customers to never attempt to touch, handle or move downed power lines. Instead, report the issue immediately to BrightRidge by calling 423-952-5000 or use the SmartHub mobile and desktop application.