75 Miles of Fresh Blue Ridge Parkway, Finished Just in Time for Fall

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  October 1, 2026

Seventy-five miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway have been repaved and rehabilitated. The National Park Service announced on September 29 that its multiyear road rehabilitation, from milepost 229.6 north of Doughton Park to milepost 305.1 near Grandfather Mountain, is complete.

A $100 Million-Plus Investment in One Stretch of Road

The project topped $100 million and covered the mainline motor road along with drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage. The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration managed the work together. (Source: Ashe Post & Times)

The Park Service says the work addressed long-standing maintenance needs while preserving the Parkway's historic character and supporting safe, reliable access for visitors. (Source: NPS)

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

The Final Phase

When the final phase was announced, intermittent closures were set to begin from milepost 280 to 285 near Parkway School Road, and from milepost 291.8 at US 321/221 to milepost 305.1 near Beacon Heights and US 221. (Source: Ashe Post & Times)

Attractions along that corridor include Cone Memorial Park, Price Lake, popular Grandfather Mountain trailheads and the Linn Cove trailhead parking. Staggered closures were planned so that the contractor would maintain uninterrupted access to these areas from either the north or the south.

Where the Money Came From

Funding came from the Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund. The act was signed into law in 2020. Backed by revenue from energy development, the fund gave the National Park Service up to $1.3 billion a year for five years to address long-deferred maintenance in parks across the country. (Sources: Ashe Post & Times, NPS)

Swartout also pointed to the Parkway's role as an important economic driver for the region, connecting millions of visitors with gateway communities and serving as an important travel corridor for area residents.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Blue Ridge Parkway construction near Grandfather Mountain finished?

Yes. The National Park Service announced on September 29, 2026 that the multiyear road rehabilitation from milepost 229.6, north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1, near Grandfather Mountain, is complete.

What work was done on the Blue Ridge Parkway?

Crews repaved and rehabilitated the mainline motor road and repaired or improved drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks and signage across roughly 75 miles. The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration jointly managed the project.

How was the Blue Ridge Parkway repaving paid for?

Funding came from the Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund. The act was signed into law in 2020. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provided the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to address deferred maintenance.