Name: Session 15: A) Hurricane Helene Impacts and Response in Western NC (Emphasizing Utility Impacts and Restoration)
Start: 2025-04-17T15:30:00-0400
End: 2025-04-17T16:30:00-0400

Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT

Salon C

Session 14A: Hurricane Helene Impacts and Response in Western NC (Emphasizing Utility Impacts and Restoration)
Speaker: Chip Hutchens, Weston & Sampson; Jim Forbes, Weston & Sampson
- In late September 2024, Hurricane Helene swept through South Carolina, Georgia, Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, causing catastrophic flooding, landslides, and infrastructure destruction. NCDOT and its partners launched immediate response efforts to restore utilities and access. This session explores the challenges and strategies behind the recovery, including emergency work procedures, safety concerns, and expedited repairs using accelerated design-build procedures for roadway and bridge replacement projects. Attendees will gain key insights into disaster response coordination, regulatory considerations, and best practices for resilient infrastructure. Ideal for engineers, utility managers, and policymakers focused on effective post-disaster recovery and long-term sustainability.

Moderators

Nichole Davis

Vice President/Creative & Development Director, Hoyle, Tanner

Nichole is a Vice President and Hoyle Tanner's Creative & Development Director based in the corporate office. She works with all levels of employees assisting with the firm’s marketing and branding strategy and initiatives. Her passion is making a difference and collaborating with... Read More →

Speakers

Chip Hutchens, PE

Regional Manager/Associate, Weston & Sampson

Chip Hutchens is the Regional Manager for Weston & Sampson’s four North Carolina offices. With 35 years of transportation experience, he started in the Roadway Design unit at NCDOT before joining the consultant community where he has expanded his design experience to include hydraulic... Read More →

Jim Forbes

Utilities Manager, Weston & Sampson

Jim is a seasoned civil engineering professional with over 39 years of experience in roadway construction and utility coordination. He has worked extensively with NCDOT and VDOT, managing utility projects for major infrastructure developments. Over the past 13 years, he has led coordination... Read More →

Thursday April 17, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EDT
Salon C

2025 ACEC-NH & NHDOT Technical Exchange Conference

Nichole Davis

Chip Hutchens, PE

Jim Forbes

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