First portion of Blue Ridge Parkway reopens in NC

The first North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge Parkway is reopening after being closed for more than three weeks following hurricane Helene. The National Park Service says the Parkway section from milepost 285.5 at Bamboo Gap to milepost 305 near Beacon Heights in the Blowing Rock area are now reopened. This is the first section of the Blue Ridge Parkway to open in North Carolina since Helene hit in late September. Reopening this section of the Parkway will provide improved transportation for communities recovering from storm damage. Commercial vehicles are prohibited.