News Release

Blue Ridge Parkway announces updates to major road maintenance project in northwest North Carolina

BLRI Detour Map as of September 25, 2024.

NPS

News Release Date: September 13, 2024

Contact: BLRI Public Affairs

Glendale Springs, NC – As work progresses on a major paving project between milepost 229.6 and 305.1, park visitors can expect a full closure from milepost 261 (NC 16) to Milepost 269.8 (Phillips Gap) beginning September 16, 2024. The primary detour route in the area remains unchanged, and access to Doughton Park, including the picnic area, campground, and The Bluffs Restaurant, is available via NC 18.

Visitors should be aware of the following changes while work is underway in this area:

· A full closure of the mainline motor road between milepost 261 to milepost 269.8 will begin September 16. Within the active closure area, all activity is prohibited for cars, bicycles, and hikers to ensure the safety of Parkway visitors and staff.

· A signed detour will direct travelers around the full closure at milepost 261 to 269.8 via routes NC 16 and US 221. Access to the Parkway at the Northwest Trading Post, milepost 258.7, will be available from NC 16 and Trading post Road at Glendale Springs, NC

· The Mountains to Sea trail will remain open during the closure period. As always, hikers should exercise caution when crossing the motor road.

· Visitors are reminded that sporadic closures may occur at overlooks throughout the construction project.

· Later this fall, construction will migrate south at which time there will be a full closure to all activity from milepost 261 – 276.5. Specific dates will be announced prior to the closure.

This work is part of a $123.5 million Great American Outdoors Act investment along 75 miles of the Parkway addressing the rehabilitation of paving, drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks, and signage in this section of the historic motor route. This paving and infrastructure repair project is expected to continue until Spring 2026.

Up-to-date closure and detour maps are available on the park’s website and in visitor centers along the route. With multiple road projects underway this season, the Parkway website and alerts and conditions page are important planning tools that provide updated road status information and links to project information and detour maps.