News Release

Blue Ridge Parkway announces Finding of No Significant Impact for Planned Bridge Projects in Ashe and Alleghany Counties

Date: August 28, 2019
Contact: Leesa Brandon, 828.348.3420
Contact: Caitlin Worth, 828.348.3406

(Laurel Springs, NC) - The National Park Service announced today, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, that the signed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) prepared for two bridge improvement projects on the Blue Ridge Parkway is now available. The first project, known as Project 2A16, includes the rehabilitation of Big Pine Creek Bridge #3 and #6 and Brush Creek Bridge #1 in Ashe County, NC, with an emphasis onmaintaining the historic character of the bridges to the maximum extent practicable. The second project, known as Project 2D17, involves the replacement of a larger historic bridge, Laurel Fork Bridge in Alleghany County, which would be designed with consideration given to the historic character of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the original bridge.

The FONSI was signed on August 12, 2019 and is available at this link: https://go.nps.gov/1tjh0k. 

The Parkway has over 180 bridges in its asset inventory. Planning for these projects began in 2016, and work is expected to begin in 2020. The bridges involved in these projects have been deemed structurally deficient with deteriorating decks and substandard height bridge rails. The proposed projects will address structural deficiencies and improve safety by meeting current roadway design standards, including installation of crashworthy railings.