After several weather and contract
related delays, work has begun on a section of Blue Ridge Parkway closed from
Milepost 376 at Ox Creek Road to Milepost 355, near the entrance to Mt.
Mitchell State Park. This project will stabilize a failed slope just north of
Tanbark Ridge Tunnel, at Milepost 374.
While alternate routes are available, the detour
route marked with road signs directs traffic from Asheville, NC, along
Interstate 40 to U.S. Route 221, back to the Parkway at Spruce Pine, NC, and
alternately from Spruce Pine south to Asheville via U.S. Route 221 and
Interstate 40. Mt. Mitchell State Park will remain open and accessible from the
northern approach along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 330, near Spruce
Pine, NC, or from state Route 80.
Due to the
dangerous nature of this slope stabilization project, complete closure of the Parkway
to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists is necessary. Contractors doing the work plan to be on site
24-hours a day, utilizing night lighting when possible. Parkway managers ask for
the public’s cooperation with this closure, asking motorists to stay alert, be aware
of barrier signs, and follow the signed detour to insure optimal visitor
safety.
Despite the delayed start date, it is still anticipated that this project will be nearing
completion in late spring of 2014, with the Parkway again open to traffic in
this area during the 2014 summer visitor season. Parkway management regrets any inconvenience
this project may have on local businesses or to visitors.
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