News Release

Critical repairs to James River Bridge begin on the Blue Ridge Parkway

The James River Bridge on the Parkway, spanning the river below.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 2, 2025

Contact: BLRI Public Affairs

JAMES RIVER, VA - A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 63.5 to 63.9 will close on or around September 9, for a significant rehabilitation of the multi-level James River Bridge at milepost 63.7. 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 of 2026.

A signed detour is in place from north to south beginning at milepost 61.4 and the intersection with VA Route 130, continuing to US 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, and behind closed gates, 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.

Some of the most distinctive architectural features of the Blue Ridge Parkway are its outstanding collection of over 170 bridges. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the largest designed landscapes in the country, providing visitors with a wide variety of opportunities to experience southern Appalachian nature, history and culture.

The Parkway website and road status page are important planning tools that provide milepost by milepost status information daily with links to additional project information and detour maps.