(WSET) — Virginia drivers will soon have another roadway staple open again. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which was closed indefinitely in the wake of Hurricane Helene damages, is reopening a 198-mile swath of road.
According to the National Park Service, the stretch of the parkway that is being reopened is from the Shenandoah National Park south toSkyview Drive/Turkey Ridge Road near Fancy Gap in Carroll County.
Multiple sites and locations along the parkway are also reopening:
- The Humpback Rocks, James River and Peaks of Otter visitor centers will reopen, as power and water have been restored to all facilities where it existed before the storm.
- The Mabry Mill Cultural Site will be open, and the Eastern National/America’s National Parks sales outlet will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
- Peaks of Otter and Rocky Knob campgrounds will operate on a first-come, first-served basis until October 14, at which time existing reservations will again be honored. Otter Creek Campground was closed for the season prior to the storm and will remain closed.
- Peaks of Otter Lodge will continue to operate (it did not close after the storm)
NPS said they hope to open the remainder of the Parkway in Virginia within the next two weeks, thanks to the dedication of workers working to clear and make repairs.
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“Due to the hard work of the Blue Ridge Parkway crews, we are able to open nearly 200 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, a vital and scenic route that both embodies the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our region and plays a vital role in the local economy through tourism and community engagement,” said Tracy Swartout, superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. “While we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize that significant and, in some areas, long-term work remains in North Carolina. We are committed to restoring all sections of the parkway to the highest standards of safety and accessibility for our visitors.”
Officials warned hikers to stay cautious out on trails since assessments have not been completed for every area. In addition, NPS said visitors should expect the possibility of fewer services since many employees are helping with operations in North Carolina, where the storm impacts were much worse.
“The entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina remains closed as crews continue emergency stabilization and damage assessments following Hurricane Helene,” NPS said.
