Blue Ridge Parkway Tunnel Closure Means 20-Mile Detour Near Mount Mitchell

A Blue Ridge Parkway tunnel not far from Asheville will be closed until further notice due to a falling rock hazard. The closure means travelers will encounter a 20-mile detour near a popular tourist destination.

National Park Service officials say the Tanbark Tunnel was closed after a chunk of rock on the tunnel ceiling came loose. It was discovered during a separate weather-related closure last weekend.

According to a Parkway news release, the rock is currently being held in place by a steel netting and rock bolt safety system. Park Service and Federal Highway Administration officials are assessing what repairs are needed.

The tunnel closure will affect traffic near Mount Mitchell State Park, which will remain open weather permitting.

The Parkway closure will extend from Milepost 355.3 at N.C. Route 128 to Milepost 375.6 at Ox Creek Road.