North Carolina Construction News staff writer
The National Park Service announced Monday that road work will resume on a multi-year project along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with intermittent closures beginning in mid-March.
The work will affect two sections of the parkway: from milepost 280 to 285 near Parkway School Road, and from milepost 291.8 at U.S. 321/221 to milepost 305.1 near Beacon Heights and U.S. 221. Officials said closures will alternate along the corridor to allow continuous access to popular recreation areas.
A signed detour route and secondary road signage will guide visitors to attractions along the corridor, including Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, Grandfather Mountain trailheads, and Linn Cove trailhead parking. Park visitors and neighbors are reminded to exercise caution and follow all posted closures. Vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians are prohibited within active work zones for safety, as heavy equipment and workers will be operating in the area.
“This final phase of the project will ensure safe, high-quality access for visitors while maintaining continuous access to key park facilities,” a park spokesperson said.
The $100 million-plus project spans 75 miles of the parkway and includes full road rehabilitation, repaving, and repairs to drainage structures, curbs, shoulders, guardrails, sidewalks, overlooks, and signage. Funding comes from the Great American Outdoors Act’s Legacy Restoration Fund, which provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to address maintenance needs in national parks. The project is jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration and is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
Up-to-date closure and detour maps will be available on the park’s website and at visitor centers along the route. Daily road status updates will also be posted online.