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By Scott Nicholson
A Blue Ridge Parkway project could lead to extended detours for
motorists in the latter half of the year.
Goshen Creek Bridge, located about 5 miles north of the intersection
with U.S. 321 at milepost 286, will undergo rehabilitation this
spring and the work could continue until 2009.
Alan Hollister, who oversees federal highways projects for the
parkway, said the bridge’s structure will remain intact but
the road surface and deck will be replaced and the bridge rails
and steel will be repainted.
The $2 million contract was awarded to Taylor & Murphy Construction
Company of Asheville. Work could begin as early as March 1, though
it’s possible it won’t start until April 1.
Hollister said signs notifying of the pending detour will be placed
on the parkway this week, though the closures won’t occur
until the work begins. The detour will route parkway travelers
from Aho Gap to the Bamboo section.
“That section of the parkway could be closed for two seasons,”
Hollister said.
“We hope to open in December, but it depends on the progress
of the contractor.”
According to the parkway’s road information hotline, the
only sections of the road in North Carolina that are open are
from milepost 234 to 305 near Grandfather Mountain, milepost 344
to 355 near Mount Mitchell, and milepost 376 to 394 near the French
Broad River. For updated parkway road conditions and closings,
call (828) 298-0398.
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