BLOWING ROCK, N.C. — The National Park Service today announced the completion of a multiyear, more than $100 million rehabilitation project spanning 75 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Western North Carolina. The extensive work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, improves critical infrastructure and visitor access along one of the region’s most significant scenic routes.
The rehabilitation encompassed the Parkway from milepost 229.6, situated north of Doughton Park, to milepost 305.1, near Grandfather Mountain. This comprehensive project aimed to address long-standing maintenance needs while also preserving the Parkway’s historic character and supporting safe, reliable access for all visitors. The National Park Service and the Federal Highway Administration jointly managed the undertaking.
Tracy Swartout, Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s conclusion, noting that it was finished “in advance of the busy fall season.” Swartout highlighted that this substantial investment is expected to serve Parkway visitors and neighboring communities for many years to come. She further emphasized the Parkway’s role as an "important economic driver for the region," connecting millions of visitors with gateway communities and providing a crucial travel corridor for local residents.
Improvements carried out as part of the project were extensive, including the repaving and rehabilitation of the Parkway’s mainline motor road. Additionally, the work involved repairs and upgrades to various essential components such as drainage structures, curbs, walks, shoulders, guardrails, overlooks, and signage. Each improvement was designed to enhance the safety and functionality of this iconic roadway.
The Great American Outdoors Act, which provided the funding for this project, was landmark legislation signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020. This act was designed to address projects across the country, focusing on long-deferred maintenance, modernizing critical infrastructure, and improving access, safety, and visitor experiences on America’s public lands. Supported by revenue generated from energy development, the fund was structured to provide the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion annually for a period of five years, enabling significant investments like the one completed on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The completion of this project represents a key outcome of that national initiative to bolster infrastructure on public lands.
