Compiled from NPS releases
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A 27-mile section of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina reopened Friday, the latest step in rebuilding the scenic byway pummeled by heavy rainfall caused by Hurricane Helene.
The reopening came after crews finished repairing damage from a landslide at milepost 401.5, near Ferrin Knob Tunnel No. 3. The slide was one of more than 55 left by the storm along a 200-mile stretch of the parkway.
The work restored access to the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 393 near U.S. 191 in Asheville to milepost 420 south of the Graveyard Fields area. In all, 38 miles of continuous access is now open from milepost 382 near U.S. 70 and the Folk Art Center to milepost 420. The corridor includes several popular parkway destinations such as the Mount Pisgah Inn, campground, picnic area, and nearby hiking trails.
The project was at least the fifth related to Helene completed along the parkway in the past month.
“The remaining repair project along the Parkway’s southern section is for a slide that occurred near milepost 421; and that repair is expected to be complete this summer as well,” a news release from the park said.
It added: “The park is prioritizing restoring road access through a phased system to provide both public access to newly opened areas as soon as possible, and access to previously unreachable areas by contractors. Parkway construction activity is complex and highly technical, including factors such as remoteness, challenging terrain, and reduced construction seasons due to ice and winter weather at higher elevations.”
Park officials ask people to continue to be patient and respect remaining closures. Multiple hazards exist in closed areas and crews and heavy equipment may be present. Trail assessments are ongoing and hikers should exercise extra caution due to landslides, tree debris and washouts that haven’t yet been fixed.
Visitors should check the park website for the latest updates.