A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 63.5 to 63.9 will be closed for the next year, starting around Sept. 9, to allow for “a significant rehabilitation” of the bridge over the James River.
Planned repairs include bridge deck rehabilitation, new asphalt overlay on the bridge, bridge bearing replacement, as well as parking area repairs and rehabilitation. The work is expected to be complete by fall 2026.
A signed detour wil be place from north to south beginning at milepost 61.4 and the intersection with Route 130, continuing to U.S. Route 501, and reentering the park at milepost 64. A portion of the James River Visitor Center parking lot will remain open to provide access to portable toilets. Walking trails at the site, including the foot bridge, will be closed during this project.
During this project, that section of the parkway will be closed to all activity (cars, bicycles, and hikers); and as with any road project, park visitors and neighbors must exercise caution and observe closures. Heavy equipment and workers will regularly be moving through the project area.
