Tropical Storm Helene has caused a complete closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, with no set reopening date as recovery efforts proceed. Approximately 100 National Park Service employees from various states are assisting in the repairs. The parkway is crucial for local residents and tourism, drawing millions of visitors each year. U.S. 441 has reopened, but commercial vehicles are still prohibited on this road.
Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in the complete closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway throughout North Carolina, following extensive damage caused by the storm last week. The National Park Service (NPS) announced that the reopening date remains uncertain as crews engage in repairing the roadway by removing fallen debris and assessing various damages. The Blue Ridge Parkway, a two-lane highway covering 252 miles from the Virginia border to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a vital route for local residents and a significant attraction for tourists, who flock to the area for its scenic views and recreational opportunities. The NPS reported that nearly 16.8 million visitors frequented the parkway last year, contributing close to $1.4 billion to nearby communities. While the parkway in Virginia remains accessible up to Shenandoah National Park, it is anticipated that portions of it in North Carolina may remain closed during the critical fall foliage season, a time typically marked by heavy traffic. In an effort to expedite recovery efforts, approximately 100 employees from the National Park Service, hailing from 22 states and the District of Columbia, have been deployed to assist local staff at the Blue Ridge Parkway. In a related update, U.S. 441, known as Newfound Gap Road, has been reopened. This roadway traverses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park between the towns of Cherokee and Gatlinburg, although commercial vehicles are still prohibited from using U.S. 441 within the park limits.
Tropical Storm Helene significantly impacted the southeastern United States, particularly North Carolina, leading to extensive flooding and destruction. In the scope of this calamity, the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, a critical transportation route and tourist attraction, has experienced complete closure due to damage from fallen trees and debris. The National Park Service is actively engaged in recovery operations, while local economies that benefit from tourism face potential disruptions during the busy fall color season.
In summary, Tropical Storm Helene has resulted in the total closure of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, a vital corridor that serves both residents and millions of tourists each year. Despite ongoing recovery efforts supported by NPS staff from various states, the reopening timeline for the parkway remains uncertain. The situation presents challenges not only for residents but also for the local economy that heavily relies on tourism, especially during the fall foliage season.
Original Source: www.newsobserver.com
