There’s something deeply symbolic about a gas station reopening. It’s not just about fuel — it’s about movement, momentum, and the power to keep going. After the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024, this once-bustling corner of East Asheville — where Swannanoa River Road meets the arteries leading into Oakley, Swannanoa, and Tunnel Road — was left underwater and in ruins.
Now, more than a year later, life and light are returning to one of Asheville’s most traveled crossroads.
At 605 Swannanoa River Road, the Shell Station is on its way back, with the owner projecting an opening in roughly 30 days. Just across the way at 615 Swannanoa River Road, the Sunoco Station has just installed new tanks and is currently running tests in preparation for reopening. These two fuel stops, once ordinary pit-stops for locals and commuters, have now become symbols of persistence and recovery.
If you’ve driven through this area recently, you’ve probably noticed the progress — not just at these stations, but in the entire neighborhood. The back road behind Shell, leading up to the nearby apartments, is under active construction with major infrastructure upgrades underway. It’s a clear sign that this corridor, once silenced by floodwaters, is finding its heartbeat again.
Just down the street is where MANNA FoodBank’s headquarters once operated, serving as a lifeline to the community. In many ways, these stations carry on that same spirit of service — they fuel the people who keep Asheville moving forward.
Rebuilding after Helene hasn’t been easy. Some businesses never returned, others continue to fight their way back. But for many residents, this particular intersection represents more than just convenience — it represents hope.
When the lights flicker back on at these stations, it won’t just mark a reopening. It will mark another step toward normalcy, another reminder that Asheville’s resilience runs deep.
Goodbye, Helene. Hello, life.
Welcome back, Asheville.
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