Iconic stretch of Blue Ridge Parkway closing for months

The iconic Linn Cove Viaduct that wraps around Grandfather Mountain on the Blue Ridge Parkway will close for three months of road resurfacing and bridge repairs, the National Park Service said this week.

One of the parkway’s most popular tourist draws, the seven-mile stretch is scheduled to close on March 1 and reopen by Memorial Day weekend. The viaduct is 18 miles southwest of Blowing Rock and about 105 miles northwest of Charlotte.

Crews will remove and replace the asphalt pavement, waterproofing membrane and joints on the bridge. They will repair the supporting structure, stone curb, railing and drainage features, the (Asheville) Citizen-Times and other media outlets reported.

The stretch also will be closed to cyclists and hikers, including the trail areas beneath the viaduct, the Watauga Democrat reported.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article199247709.html