News Release

Critical road repairs begin between milepost 86 and 89 on the Blue Ridge Parkway

View from Powell’s Gap Area, milepost 89.1, on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 3, 2026

BEDFORD, Va - A section of the Blue Ridge Parkway from milepost 86 to 89, near Bedford, Virginia, will close on or around March 9, for a needed rehabilitation project.  The project includes pavement reconstruction, drainage repairs, signage and safety measures, and work is expected to be complete by summer 2026. 

A signed detour is in place from north to south beginning at milepost 86 and the intersection with VA Route 43, continuing to US Route 460. Access to the Parkway between Milepost 91 and 105.8 is available via 460 and traveling north on the Parkway. Access to the Peaks of Otter developed area will be available via VA Route 43.  

In the active construction zone, 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 in the area and observe closures. Heavy equipment and workers will regularly be moving through the project area.  

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

Detour Map