A 21-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway that had been closed since last year for work to stabilize the pavement has been reopened to the motoring public.

The section, between Milepost 376 and Milepost 355 near Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina, was closed back in July after cracking in the road surface. The cracking, which was attributed to heavy rains last year, was temporarily fixed in August, but officials knew a more substantive repair was needed.

With this repair project complete approximately three weeks ahead of schedule, all 469 miles of Parkway motor road are now open for visitor access and enjoyment.  The popular Craggy Gardens Picnic Area and Visitor Center, at Milepost 364, which had been closed during this repair project, is scheduled to open May 9, along with the majority of other Parkway facilities reopening for the season on that date.  The full schedule of 2014 seasonal openings and visitor services along the Blue Ridge Parkway can be found on the park's webste.