Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced that the Gatlinburg Spur will experience multiple single-lane and shoulder closures from September 14 through September 30, 2026. These scheduled projects include storm damage repairs, utility surveys, and broader utility work, which are expected to cause traffic delays for visitors and residents traveling between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The park urges all drivers to exercise extra caution for the safety of both park personnel and other motorists during this period.
The initial phase of closures targets storm damage repairs on the southbound section of the Spur. From September 14 to September 17, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., a single-lane closure will be in effect. This work zone is located specifically between the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and the Gatlinburg City Limit. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park plans to stabilize the side of the roadway, replace existing concrete curbs, and implement new drainage systems as part of these repairs.
Concurrent with the storm damage repairs, shoulder closures are scheduled near the Huskey Grove Bridge for utility surveys. These surveys, intended to inform future construction, will take place from September 14 to September 16, daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Both the north and southbound acceleration ramps in this area will be affected. Park personnel will be working behind the guardrails and medians of both northbound and southbound lanes. The park again advises drivers to proceed with caution through these areas.
Following these initial projects, a more extensive period of single-lane closures is slated for utility work near the Huskey Grove Bridge. This work will commence on September 21 and continue through September 30, operating from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on scheduled workdays. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park intends to begin with single-lane closures on the southbound lanes before shifting operations to the northbound lanes. A specific impact noted by the park is that the single-lane closure will affect the tunnel in the northbound lane. This phase of utility work is scheduled to conclude for the day at noon on September 25 and will not occur over the weekend.
The Gatlinburg Spur serves as a vital transportation link within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Spanning approximately 4.2 miles, this four-lane divided roadway is an integral part of the scenic Foothills Parkway. It acts as a direct connection between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, functioning as a primary gateway for millions of park visitors each year. Recognized as one of the busiest routes in the broader area, the Spur accommodates an average of 40,000 vehicles per day during the peak summer season, underscoring the potential for significant traffic impacts during these planned closures. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park recommends checking its official website for the most current information regarding road closures and ongoing construction projects.