You are here

Road Work Could Slow Your Trip On The Blue Ridge Parkway

Share

Published Date

May 9, 2021

You could find the going slow on parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer as roadwork is scheduled for more than 80 overlooks and parking areas and five picnic areas along the parkway in Virginia. The work is to involve resurfacing as part of the park’s pavement preservation program.

The project, which began last week, is to continue throughout the summer and early fall.

The paving project will take place from Afton Gap at Milepost 0 to the Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213. The contractor will start overlay paving work at the northernmost sections of the parkway and proceed south, and individual sites will close only while work is occurring. 

Work at each overlook is expected to last only a few days while the larger parking areas and picnic areas will last a bit longer. The picnic areas that will be paved are at Humpback Rocks (Milepost 8.5), Peaks of Otter (Milepost 85.6), Smart View (Milepost 154.5), Rocky Knob (Milepost 169), and Groundhog Mountain (Milepost 188.8). 

“This summer’s pavement preservation project takes care of key features along the Virginia sections of the Parkway. Visitors have enjoyed the Parkway’s overlooks and picnic areas for generations,” said Acting Superintendent Alexa Viets. “We are pleased to bring these areas into better condition with a project that is anticipated to move quickly and should present only minor inconveniences to park visitors.” 

As with any paving project, motorists and park users must exercise caution. In the interest of visitor safety, park visitors are asked to expect short duration, single-lane closures at overlook, parking area and picnic area entrances while work at those sites is occurring.  

The Blue Ridge Parkway inventory of paved roads includes bridges, tunnels, parking areas,  spur roads, service roads, campground, and picnic area roads, and the 469-mile Parkway motor route itself.  Given the large inventory of paved surfaces along the parkway, and in order to effectively invest available funding, the pavement preservation strategy focuses on keeping the good sections good and returning fair sections to good condition.  

Pavement preservation is becoming a regular road maintenance strategy in national parks. Studies find that for each dollar spent on pavement preservation, between $6 and $10 in future pavement rehabilitation costs are saved. Funding for road maintenance in national parks, including the parkway, comes in large part from the Highway Trust Fund, which is derived from a federal gas tax managed by the Federal Highway Administration.   

Related Stories:

Stories about:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Just got back from a drive south on the Parkway from Roanoke south to Great Smoky Mountains NP then north from Roanoke to Shenandoah NP. Only two detours (one from Roanoake south and a short one near Linville Falls in North Carolina). Some of the roadway is terrible, so I'm glad for the repaving (even more glad I missed it).


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.