Reconstruction of Historic Stone Guardwalls to close BRP

The Blue Ridge Parkway will be closed to all traffic from Milepost 241 near Doughton Park to Milepost 244.9 at Basin Cove Parking Overlook beginning November 1, 2010, and lasting until April 29, 2011. Detour traffic signage will direct Parkway visitors around the closure area via NC Route 18 and US Highway 21 (click here for a map of the detour route). Access to the Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop following the regular seasonal operating schedule will remain open from the north via the Parkway. Signs will be in place to direct visitors to the Bluffs Lodge and Coffee Shop.

Prior to this first phase of full traffic closure, single-lane traffic closures will be in effect along the length of the project from September 13 through September 30, 2010. This closure will facilitate the first phase of the Historic Stone Guardwall Reconstruction Project.

Upon completion of the first phase of construction, additional closures and detours will follow between Milepost 218 near Cumberland Knob and Milepost 240.7 near Doughton Park. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2012.

The Historic Stone Guardwall Reconstruction Project will involve 28 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 217 to Milepost 245) that contain 32,000 linear feet of historic rock masonry walls. A significant portion of the walls are severely deteriorated due to settlement and the effect of freeze-thaw cycles over the past 75 years. This project will rehabilitate and reconstruct the most deficient wall sections.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com