First section of road to open in NC post-Helene will fine truckers $5k if they use it

The Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened in North Carolina as of Wednesday morning, but will not allow any commercial vehicles due to safety concerns. 

The Blue Ridge Parkway opened to traffic on Wednesday, October 23rd, starting at milepost 285.5 at Bamboo Gap and stretching all the way to milepost 305 near Beacon Heights in the Blowing Rock, North Carolina area. This is the very first section of roadway to reopen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene according to the Blue Ridge Parkway National Park Service [BRPNPS].

“We realize how critical the Parkway is for our region,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “While much work remains, we are prioritizing our efforts in less-damaged areas that have the most impact for community connectivity, and that we are able to reopen safely. We are anticipating opening additional sections of the Parkway that support adjoining communities, soon.”

Despite the opening and remaining extensive closures of other roadways, tractor trailers are banned from the Blue Ridge Parkway due to safety concerns. 

“Because the Parkway is a narrow, two-lane road with shifting grades, curves, and limited sight distances, commercial vehicles are prohibited on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the safety of all drivers. There are no truck lanes, runaway truck ramps or places for a large commercial vehicle to slow down and pull over. Violators will be subject to a citation as well as a fine of up to $5,000,” writes the BRPNPS. 

“For safety reasons, the park asks that people continue to be patient and respect remaining closures. Multiple seen and unseen hazards exist in closed areas and crews and heavy equipment will be working to make areas safe for reentry. The hurricane left tens of thousands of downed trees across the roadway and caused nearly three dozen rock and mud slides. The slides have occurred above and below the road and have also severely damaged or swept away the roadbed in numerous places. To date, crews have reopened over 200 miles of road. Since September 30, 2024, over 100 Blue Ridge Parkway employees, along with over 275 employees from 37 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, representing 64 parks and offices across the NPS, have been on the Parkway assisting with recovery efforts.  Their expertise spans a wide variety of roles including sawyers, carpenters, arborists, and equipment operators.”

Current conditions and updates can be found on their website here.