News Release

New River Gorge NPP announces reopening of Cunard Road on March 24

Roadwork along the Cunard Road

News Release Date: March 20, 2025

Contact: Eve West, 304-719-6364

GLEN JEAN, WV – The Federal Highway Administration is completing its first round of improvements to Cunard Road (Route 9) in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and plans to reopen for access on March 24. The road closed last November for upgrades from just past the trailhead for the Brooklyn Mine Trail extending to the river access at Cunard.

Travelers should anticipate delays, however, as only one lane of traffic will be open along this stretch throughout the upcoming season. Road construction will continue until Memorial Day, then cease for the busier summer season, with traffic light control through the summer and fall. The road will close again this winter for additional improvements with the date of closure to be determined.

Cunard Road provides access to the popular Lower Gorge stretch of the New River, running from Cunard to Fayette Station. The Fayette Station Road (Route 82) also has been closed throughout the winter as the West Virginia Department of Highways (WVDOH) makes improvements to the Tunney Hunsaker Bridge. Reports to the park from WVDOH indicate the bridge and road also should be reopening the end of March, with an additional closure planned for next winter for more upgrades.

Current closures and updated information can be found on the park’s website at nps.gov/neri, Instagram and Facebook.