A scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway has reopened to visitors. Governor Stein announced the reopening of the Grandfather Mountain to Blowing Rock section.

The section had been closed after severe storm damage. Repair crews worked for months to clear landslides and rebuild damaged roadbeds.

The National Park Service also completed a $100-million-plus project covering mileposts 229.6 to 305.1 on September 29.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most visited national park units. It draws millions of drivers each year for its mountain views.

Fall foliage season is the parkway’s busiest time. Local businesses near the reopened section expect a strong boost.

Park officials ask drivers to watch for remaining work zones. Some overlooks and trails are still being repaired.

The parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina and is managed by the National Park Service. Autumn leaf season brings the heaviest traffic of the year, and mountain-town businesses depend on visitor spending.