Gatlinburg residents and visitors should prepare for temporary traffic adjustments on Saturday, October 31, 2026. A traffic advisory has been issued detailing lane closures on several key local thoroughfares. These measures are being implemented to facilitate a special event scheduled for the morning hours.
Motorists should expect impacts on portions of the Parkway and Collier Drive. The temporary restrictions are set to be in effect for a two-hour window, specifically from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. During this period, traffic flow will be modified, requiring drivers to adjust their routes or anticipate minor delays.
One significant lane closure will affect the Parkway. The northbound right travel lane on the Parkway will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic. This closure will span a specific segment, beginning from New Era Road and extending northbound to Collier Drive. Drivers heading northbound on the Parkway during these hours will need to merge into the remaining open lanes, which may contribute to localized congestion and slower speeds along this commonly used route. Adherence to signage and reduced speeds will be important for navigating this section.
Another impacted road will be Collier Drive. The eastbound right lane on Collier Drive is slated for temporary closure. This particular closure will cover the stretch from its intersection with the Parkway to Ridge Road. Traffic proceeding eastbound on Collier Drive will similarly experience a reduction in available lanes, potentially leading to bottlenecks as vehicles consolidate into fewer lanes. Motorists are advised to be aware of these changes when planning travel through this area.
Additionally, New Era Road will also be subject to a temporary lane closure. Specifically, the westbound right travel lane on New Era Road will be closed. This affects traffic originating from the entrance of the NASCAR SpeedPark and proceeding westward towards the Parkway. Drivers on New Era Road heading towards the Parkway will encounter fewer lanes as they approach this major intersection, necessitating caution and potential merging operations.
The lane closures are deemed necessary to accommodate the NASCAR SpeedPark Color Me Mutt 5k road race special event. This event requires temporary use of portions of these roadways to ensure the safety of participants and the smooth execution of the race. The temporary modifications to traffic patterns are a direct result of the event's route and operational needs.
Motorists traveling through these specific areas on the morning of Saturday, October 31, 2026, should be prepared for potential minor short term traffic delays. Planning for additional travel time or exploring alternative routes if available may help alleviate any inconvenience caused by the temporary lane adjustments. All drivers are encouraged to exercise caution, remain alert for event participants, and comply with all posted traffic control instructions during the designated hours of the closures.
