HELEN - A portion of the Richard Russell Scenic Highway that had been closed for repairs to damaged caused by harsh winter weather earlier this year has reopened.
The state Department of Transportation closed part of the highway between Hogpen and Tesnatee gaps near Helen until the weather warmed enough for a contractor to do some repaving.
The road, which is Georgia Highway 348, reopened a little later than expected because of more weather-related problems... this time rain, which delayed work.
Motorists now can go from Georgia Highway 75 Alternate across the mountains to Georgia Highway 180.