The Georgia Department of Transportation has reopened a nearly 6-mile stretch of Richard Russell Scenic Parkway in White and Union counties.

The DOT had closed the section of Ga. 348 in March because of pavement damage caused by the harsh winter.

The road was only open to provide White County access to the trailhead at Raven Cliff and to the Appalachian Trail, and it remained open from milepost 3.5 to Ga. 80 in Union.

A .6-mile stretch at Hog Pen Gap, one of Georgia’s highest road elevations at 3,800 feet, is still closed, however.

“Cold winter damaged the asphalt to the extent that traffic cannot use the roadway (there) at all,” said Todd McDuffie, DOT interim district engineer.

DOT maintenance crews are set to begin repairs May 1. Weather permitting, the repair work will be finished by May 14, McDuffie said.

The repairs are estimated to cost $30,000.