Last Updated on April 1, 2026 8:32 am
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — National Park Service officials has announced that, as hurricane recovery road repairs continue, visitors should use extreme caution along the Blue Ridge Parkway in areas leading to active construction sites. These ongoing road restoration projects are part of the federal recovery efforts advancing under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump in response to Hurricane Helene damage across western North Carolina.
To keep Helene-related road repair projects on schedule for a late 2026 completion, heavy construction equipment will be traveling on open sections of the Parkway between Asheville (U.S. 70 at milepost 382.5) and Mount Mitchell State Park (N.C. 128 at milepost 355.3) to access landslide repair locations. Visitors should expect a high volume of dump truck traffic along this route.
All parkway users – motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians – are reminded to stay alert and exercise patience. Safety measures along this corridor include a reduced speed limit of 35 mph, increased law enforcement presence, and intermittent one lane traffic controls. Delays should be expected when traveling to and from Asheville and Mount Mitchell State Park, including Craggy Gardens.
In addition to roadway precautions, the park asks visitors to respect ongoing closures. Changing conditions, along with a high volume of crews and heavy equipment, mean that multiple hazards exist in closed areas of the road. On open trails in this area, hikers should remain cautious, as hazards such as landslides, fallen trees, and washed-out sections or bridges may still be present.
The greatest concentration of Helene related roadway and infrastructure damage occurred from the Linville Falls area near milepost 317 south to Mount Mitchell State Park near milepost 355. Work is currently underway at 45 remaining sites to restore and stabilize the road, remove debris, and repair overlooks and guardrails.
Parkway construction activity is complex and highly technical, often complicated by remote locations, difficult terrain, and shorter construction seasons due to dynamic weather at higher elevations. Visitors should plan carefully when traveling on the Parkway, check the park's current road status webpage, and share travel plans with others in advance.
For trip planning resources, including current road conditions, regional maps, and information on recovery efforts, visit the park's website at nps.gov/blri.
