Blue Ridge Parkway begins transition for summer operations
(WFXR)—With summer right around the corner, the Blue Ridge Parkway is returning to its traditional summer operations, reminding visitors and neighbors to plan ahead and be flexible to ensure everyone’s best Parkway experience.
Currently, the Parkway is undergoing several large road projects across its 469-mile route. Parkway officials remind drivers and guests to exercise caution around roadwork and refrain from entering areas marked as closed. Visitors and guests may experience detours and one-lane closures while traveling through the area during the summer. Guests can visit the Parkway’s website for updated status and detours revolving around the current work.
Also, due to ongoing recruitment challenges, the park is starting the season with a reduced staff. This will cause delayed opening and modified hours in some locations. The Parkway emphasizes that guests confirm service availability and operating hours on the park website before their visit.
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“We want to thank Parkway visitors in advance for their courtesy and patience during this period of significant project work,” said Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “The construction season typically coincides with high visitation, and the Parkway team is focused on providing high-quality service for our visitors, while also managing generational investments for the future of travel along this nationally significant roadway.”
With all the opportunities for exploration and recreation available on the Blue Ridge Parkway, park visitors are important in helping to preserve its beauty for future generations. This takes simple actions such as picking up trash, driving the speed limit, and only parking in authorized areas to create a safer and better experience for all.
Special to the area is the park’s drive-a-while, stop-a-while design which can enhance the experience of gorgeous views including driving the scenic route, hiking a trial, or taking a concert or ranger program. Especially with the parkway’s unique design including steep grades, limited sight distances, and beautiful built-in distractions, officials remind drivers to pay extra attention while navigating the route.
For more information, visit the Blue Ridge Parkway’s website.
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