75 Freshly Finished Miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Plus the Helene Cleanup Still Ahead

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  October 5, 2026

Seventy-five miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway have been repaved and improved, just ahead of the busy fall season. Completion of the work, from near U.S. 21 in Alleghany County to near Grandfather Mountain, was announced last week. The project began in 2020 and cost more than $100 million.

That's the good news. The rest of the update involves cleanup from Tropical Storm Helene. Crews will clear downed trees to help reduce wildfire risk, and that work will bring periodic temporary closures to parts of the Parkway in western North Carolina.

What was included in the Blue Ridge Parkway repaving project?

The work was done under the Great American Outdoors Act and covered Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga and Avery counties. Along with repaving, it included a new bridge over the Laurel Fork Gorge in Ashe County, near Laurel Springs.

Crews also improved drainage structures, stone walls, curbs, walks, shoulders, overlooks and signage. The Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration managed the project together.

"We are thrilled to have completed this work in advance of the busy fall season," said Tracy Swartout, Parkway superintendent. "This historic investment will serve Parkway visitors and neighboring communities for years to come."

Swartout also pointed to the Parkway's role in the regional economy. It connects millions of visitors with gateway communities and serves as an important travel corridor for area residents.

Why will parts of the Parkway close for Helene cleanup?

The Park Service plans to remove trees and limbs that Helene brought down in late September 2024 from about 985 acres of Parkway land in western North Carolina. The goal is to reduce wildfire risk, so drivers should expect periodic temporary closures while the work is underway.

In Watauga County, heavy equipment will work scattered sites totaling about 72 acres between Deep Gap and the Boone Fork parking area, a stretch of about 20 miles.

Around Asheville, helicopters will lift out debris that ground crews have piled up on about 428 acres of steep terrain or sensitive areas.

Repairs to Helene-related damage to the Parkway in northwestern North Carolina have been completed.

Is the Deep Gap section of the Parkway open again?

Mostly. A full closure of the Parkway from Deep Gap northward for two miles in Watauga County, for repairs to the Parkway bridge over U.S. 421, has eased to sporadic single-lane closures and short delays.

Work on the stone-facade bridge began in late July and is continuing. If you're heading out for a fall drive, plan on a little patience in a few spots and a long stretch of new pavement.

Source: Journal-Patriot

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway open at Deep Gap?

Yes, with delays. The full closure from Deep Gap northward for two miles in Watauga County has shifted to sporadic single-lane closures and short delays while repairs continue on the Parkway bridge over U.S. 421.

Why are there closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville?

The National Park Service is removing trees and limbs downed by Helene to reduce wildfire risk, which will cause periodic temporary closures. Near Asheville, helicopters will remove debris piled by ground crews on about 428 acres of steep or sensitive terrain.

What work was done on the Blue Ridge Parkway under the Great American Outdoors Act?

More than $100 million in repaving and other work on 75 miles in Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga and Avery counties, including a new bridge over the Laurel Fork Gorge and improvements to drainage structures, stone walls, curbs, walks, shoulders, overlooks and signage.