Your National Park is getting some much-needed repairs through 2025! Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, these repairs will help ensure that the Blue Ridge Parkway remains open and available to future generations. Work will be phased with a staggered series of closures, allowing continuous access to the recreation areas and attractions you want to experience!
During the 2024 travel season, full construction-related closures are located in areas north of Blowing Rock. At these full closures, local detours will preserve access to individual attractions and recreation areas. The detours offer the chance to see more of our beautiful High Country and local towns like West Jefferson and Sparta. See all closures and disruptions, updated regularly, on the ROAD STATUS PAGE on the Parkway’s website.
(Updated Wednesday, October 30, 2024)
Current & Upcoming Parkway Projects in Blowing Rock
Only 20 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway are open near Blowing Rock, stretching from the Blowing Rock area to Grandfather Mountain. The Blue Ridge Parkway is still assessing damages following Hurricane Helene. The Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed north from Bamboo Gap at milepost 285 to Virginia, and south from milepost 305 at Beacon Heights to its southern terminus. See closure status here >>
Phase 1 map (below) shows work area between mileposts 292 and 305 in yellow, but major work in that area has not yet begun or been announced. Some single lane closures are possible near Blowing Rock as ditch line work and culvert work take place.
Current Parkway Projects in Nearby Counties
Current Full Parkway Closure: North of Deep Gap in neighboring Ashe County
This area begins about 18 miles north of Blowing Rock, between Deep Gap and Glendale Springs, mostly in Ashe County. Beginning September 16, expect a full closure of the mainline motor road between milepost 261 to milepost 269.8. 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 directs travelers around the full closure area from milepost 276.5 at Deep Gap to milepost 261 near Glendale Springs, via routes NC 16 and US 221. Access to Doughton Park, including the picnic area, campground, and The Bluffs Restaurant, is available via NC 18 and overlooks and trailhead access will remain open between milepost 269.8 and milepost 276.5 until the closure extends later this fall. More details at nps.gov/blri >>
Current Site Closure & detour: Laurel Fork Bridge in neighboring Ashe County
This closure is about 46 miles north of Blowing Rock. Work is underway to replace the Laurel Fork Bridge at milepost 248.8 in Ashe County near Glendale Springs, NC. A one-mile full closure is in place between milepost 248.1 and 249.3. A signed detour directs through-travelers around the project site via route(s) NC 18, NC 88, NC 16 and Trading Post Road. Work is expected to take over two years to complete, with a target completion date of November 2024. See closure & detour map and more details at nps.gov/blri >>
Current Full Parkway Closure: North of Doughton Park in Allegheny County
This closure is about 54 miles north of Blowing Rock. The closure area is located from mileposts 221.8 to 238.5 in Allegheny County. Three historic bridges are being reconstructed in the northern portion of the closure, and the Parkway will be closed to all activity (cars, bicycles, and hikers) there. Just south of the closure, access to Doughton Park attractions, including the Bluffs Restaurant (when open for the season in May), will be available via NC 18 and a short, 7-mile drive north on the Parkway. See closure & detour map and more details at nps.gov/blri >>
News About Parkway Improvements
Use these links to Blue Ridge Parkway pages to plan ahead and learn more!
Blue Ridge Parkway Road and Facility Closures
Critical repairs to three Blue Ridge Parkway bridges start January 29
Blue Ridge Parkway begins major road project in northwest North Carolina
Parkway to receive $127 million for infrastructure projects
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