Portions of Blue Ridge Parkway near Roanoke to close for repairs
If you like driving over the Roanoke River Bridge on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you might want to get in one last ride before it closes. According to the National Park Service, the bridge will be closed from mid-April through Spring 2022. AdCrews will also repair the road failure near milepost 128, starting in the spring of 2022. “We recognize these Roanoke area closures create short term impacts, however we are pleased to know that in the coming years, this section of the Parkway will be restored in ways that will allow for many more years of high-quality visitor experiences,” said Alexa Viets, acting superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway are in blue .
Authorities investigating armed robbery along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville
Security footage photos from local retailers show person(s) in possession of the victim’s stolen credit cards making purchases. National Park Service officials are asking for help in identifying those responsible for an armed robbery along the Blue Ridge Parkway that happened last month. On Feb. 24 at about 7 p.m., law enforcement rangers responded to a reported armed robbery near Milepost 394.5, not far from Asheville, North Carolina. The following day, the victim’s stolen credit cards were used at a gas station, a home improvement store and a grocery store. “This crime is a reminder that the Parkway is not immune to the types of incidents one can experience anywhere else,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Chief Ranger Neal Labrie.
Daylight Saving Time marks unofficial start of Explore Park’s busy season
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Daylight Saving Time took effect Sunday morning, which means the sun has risen on Explore Park’s busiest time of year. The Roanoke County park along the Blue Ridge Parkway has already attracted visitors with its new Twin Creeks Brewpub, which opened last fall. The park expects even more visitors when its Treetop Quest attraction opens at the beginning of April. Explore Park program director Ben Crawley said Daylight Savings Time represents the unofficial start of spring and outdoor activities. “The weather is starting to change, it’s starting to get warmer, and it’s a little bit brighter for a little bit longer.
‘Tons of red flags popping up’ as family remains hopeful for missing Bedford County man
ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – Dive crews will be in the Roanoke River at the Blue Ridge Parkway Thursday morning as the search for a missing Bedford County man continues. While tempers flared it ended with a park ranger sharing embraces with two of Gibson’s family members. His truck and belongings were found at the Roanoke River Overlook parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway a few hours later. Bowyer said about a third of them are total strangers, with no connection to the Gibson family. Gibson’s family said they know suicide is a possibility, but their gut says that’s just not right.
Search for missing Bedford County man continues along the Blue Ridge Parkway
ROANOKE, Va. – UPDATE: March 6, 2021The search for a missing Bedford County man continued along the Blue Ridge Parkway Saturday afternoon. If you have any information about Gibson, contact Blue Ridge Parkway Dispatch. ORIGINAL STORYThe National Park Service is searching for a missing man whose vehicle was found along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Roanoke. Blue Ridge Parkway Law Enforcement rangers are asking anyone who may have seen or talked to Gibson to call Parkway Dispatch at 828-298-2491. The missing search for Gibson is ongoing.
Blue Ridge Parkway takes top spot with over 14 million visitors in 2020
ROANOKE, Va. – Nearly 14 million people took the opportunity to hop in their cars and take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2020. The National Park Services estimates that 14,099,485 visitors went to the park in 2020, making it one of only three National Park Service sites with more than 10 million visits in 2020. Rounding out the top three are the Golden Gate National Recreation Area with 12,400,045 visitors and Great Smokey Mountains National Park with 12,095,720 visitors. While the Parkway experienced an overall 6% decrease in visitors compared to 2019, there was a slight 2% increase when comparing visitation numbers from September to December 2020 to numbers that same four-month window in 2019. “The 2020 visitation reminds us that the Parkway’s 1930s design approach, to maximize scenic views and recreational access, continues to be relevant today for those looking for respite and renewal,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Acting Superintendent Alexa Viets.
Stay in! Winter storm creates messy travel, power outage threat Thursday
ROANOKE, Va. – Snow, sleet and freezing rain have begun making their presence felt in southwest and central Virginia. Weather update with Jeff HaniewichJeff's Thursday afternoon weather update (2/18/21) We're talking ice and sleet accumulations along with a warm up? FutureTracker - 9 a.m. ThursdayThe longer that snow or sleet holds on, the lesser your chance for power outages will be. This will be in the form of rain and/or freezing rain. Tips for freezing rain and power outagesFor those that do lose power, it may take some time for it to come back on.
Slick, drizzly Friday with more rain, freezing rain to come Saturday
While roads may improve a bit beyond the morning, we will still have to watch for slick spots throughout the day. TimingAs another storm system moves in from the south, this sets the stage for another round of freezing rain after 6 or 7 a.m. Saturday. AdFutureTracker - 10 a.m. SaturdayAs a southeast wind begins, we should start to see any freezing rain change to a chilly rain in parts of Grayson, Wythe, Carroll, Pulaski and Bland Counties by midday or early afternoon. Moving ForwardWe’ll start with slick/icy spots Valentine’s Day morning and temperatures near freezing. We’re once again looking at the chance for freezing rain and rain Tuesday morning.