With repairs from Helene still underway and summer road maintenance swinging into high gear, the National Park Service released an updated list of ongoing projects along the popular Blue Ridge Parkway through Virginia and North Carolina.
About one fifth of the 469-mile route remains closed due to Helene. The closures stretch across several sections of the parkway in North Carolina.
Park officials note that more areas are expected to open during the summer and fall.
Many high elevation areas of the parkway have a limited construction season and maintaining the roadway is a complex and continuous undertaking. Project planning prioritizes visitor access and protecting the character of the historic route.
The parkway’s website and alerts and conditions page are the best sources for up-to-date detour maps, daily road status information, facility schedules and links to current project information
Here's a look at where to expect road construction during the 2025 season:
Milepost 97 – 121 in the Roanoke, Virginia, area
What’s happening: Road and pavement reconstruction
What to expect: 10-mile detour around milepost 95.9 at Montvale Overlook (south of Peaks of Otter) to milepost 106, near U.S. Route 460.
Milepost 121 to 143, between Roanoke, Virginia, and Pine Spur
What’s happening: Pavement preservation resurfacing
What to expect: Single-lane traffic control with reduced speeds. Bicyclists and motorcyclists are advised to find alternative routes while pavement preservation work is curing due to hazardous conditions from loose gravel. Work will conclude prior to October.
Milepost 223.8, 224.7, 224.9, and 227.5 in Alleghany County, North Carolina
What’s happening: Replacement of three concrete bridge decks, railing systems and rehabilitation of stone masonry and one Helene landslide repair.
What to Expect: A signed detour in place via state Route 18 from milepost 221.8 to 230. Work is expected to be complete by late summer.
Milepost 248.1 - 249.3 , near Laurel Springs, North Carolina
What’s happening: Full replacement of the Laurel Fork Bridge.
What to Expect: Milepost 248.1 to 249.3 is closed to all activity (cars, bicycles and hikers). Continuous access to Doughton Park recreation area and The Bluffs restaurant is available from the north at U.S. 21. Mountains to Sea Trail users should anticipate an approximately 200-yard closure at the base of the bridge, at which point trail users should follow the fence line around the project site. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2025.
Various locations between Milepost 241.1– 276.4 , near Sparta/Doughton Park
What’s happening: Repaving of the mainline motor route and repair/replacement of infrastructure.
What to Expect: Construction includes phased closures with continuous access to Doughton Park recreation area and The Bluffs restaurant. As of June 4, 2025, access to these areas is from the north via U.S. 21. Detour signs will direct visitors around active construction areas.
Milepost 224.9 – 421.8, multiple Helene recovery projects
What’s Happening: Repair and stabilization of 12 landslides
What to Expect: While significant work is needed to address all parkway damage, the NPS has begun roadway repairs at twelve of over 50 landslide locations to restore and stabilize the road, remove remaining debris, and repair guardrails near critical transportation networks. Target dates for completion and road reopening for the projects listed here range from late summer through early fall. Initial project locations include (from north to south):
Stories about:
Story Categories:
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.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
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.
