The Blue Ridge Parkway, originally scheduled for major closures this summer and fall, will remain open.
That news comes following Tuesday's meeting with leadership from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the National Park Service, local congressional leaders, elected officials, business leaders and others.
When Congress approved the Great American Outdoors Act back in the summer of 2020, it was known that a significant Blue Ridge Parkway closure would eventually take place in between Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain.
That bill included deferred maintenance for not only the roadway, but campgrounds, park access areas and more. Those needs were made more urgent by mudslides, water erosion and other damage in the wake of Helene.
But losing another tourist season could impact local businesses.
Boone Area Chamber of Commerce President David Jackson says he and a group of roughly 30 public officials were able to make the case to delay the work.
"The thought of that valuable connector being impacted during the busiest time of year was just going to be one more thing for businesses to have to deal with in an ever growing pile," says Jackson. "So we appreciate that the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Sen. Budd's office and NCDOT and all of the partners that came together actually listened to us. I think our business community feels very heard right now."
Jackson says contractors have adjusted schedules and given assurances that the Parkway’s 17-mile stretch between Watauga and Avery Counties will remain open through the fall of 2025.