Unicoi County Awarded $10.7M Contract to Repave I-26

The Tennessee Department of Transportation will fund the project to restore the highway after hurricane damage.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still life featuring polished concrete, chrome tools, and fresh asphalt, conceptually representing the materials and equipment used in highway repaving projects.A repaving project on Interstate 26 in Unicoi County will help restore this vital transportation artery after hurricane damage.Johnson City Today

The Tennessee Department of Transportation has awarded a $10.7 million contract to Summers-Taylor, Inc. to resurface a portion of Interstate 26 in Unicoi County that was damaged during the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

Why it matters

Maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure like interstate highways is essential for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods in the region. The repaving project will help restore I-26 to its full functionality after the hurricane-related damage.

The details

The contract will cover resurfacing a section of I-26 in Unicoi County that was impacted by the extensive recovery work required after the area was hit hard by Hurricane Helene in 2025. The repaving project is expected to restore the highway to its pre-hurricane condition and ensure the continued safe passage of vehicles along this important transportation corridor.

  • The contract was awarded on April 7, 2026.
  • The repaving project is expected to begin in the coming months and be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Summers-Taylor, Inc.

A construction and infrastructure company based in Tennessee that was awarded the $10.7 million contract to resurface the damaged section of I-26 in Unicoi County.

Tennessee Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for overseeing and funding transportation infrastructure projects across Tennessee, including the I-26 repaving contract in Unicoi County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The repaving project is expected to begin in the coming months and be completed by the end of 2026, restoring full functionality to this critical section of I-26.

The takeaway

This contract award highlights the ongoing efforts to maintain and repair critical transportation infrastructure in Tennessee, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the region even in the aftermath of natural disasters.