Neglected Infrastructure and Climate Risks: How Lake Lure’s Iconic Flowering Bridge Was Lost to Hurricane Helene

When Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina last September, it didn’t just leave behind wreckage; it laid bare a deeper failure of government and local authorities to protect vital community landmarks. The iconic Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, an emblem of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ natural beauty and American heritage, is now slated for demolition—nearly a year after floodwaters and gale-force winds crippled its structure beyond repair. This bridge was more than mere concrete and steel. Dating back to 1925, it transformed nearly a century later into a flourishing garden attracting over 150,000 visitors every year. The efforts of dedicated...