Lake Lure’s iconic Flowering Bridge, destroyed during Tropical Storm Helene, will soon be rebuilt with help from federal funding. Congressman Tim Moore announced Monday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $2.5 million to support the bridge’s full replacement.
The grant, totaling $2,565,168.30, will cover 90% of the $2.85 million project cost. The funding will be used for demolition, excavation, and construction of a new structure to span the gap between Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. The project aims to restore a bridge that had become both a cherished local landmark and a unique horticultural attraction.
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Originally built in 1925 as a vehicular bridge, the structure was transformed into a vibrant pedestrian garden in 2013. Local resident William Miller first proposed the idea in 2010 after the town took ownership from the NCDOT. Inspired by Massachusetts’ Bridge of Flowers, he rallied a volunteer committee that helped convert the former roadway into a botanical walkway featuring over 2,000 species of plants.
In September 2024, the bridge sustained severe structural damage during Tropical Storm Helene and was planned to be torn down. The decision to demolish the bridge was met with heartbreak from thousands of visitors and local residents who viewed it as a symbol of community spirit and resilience.
Now, thanks to FEMA’s investment, Lake Lure’s Flowering Bridge is poised for a comeback. Town officials hope the new structure will once again serve as a vibrant, living landmark — honoring its past while blooming into the future.
