Great Smoky Mountains National Park has announced multiple projects on the Gatlinburg Spur that will necessitate single-lane and shoulder closures throughout the latter half of September 2026. These scheduled works, ranging from storm damage repairs to utility surveys and critical utility installations, are expected to cause traffic delays for motorists traveling between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The National Park urged all travelers to drive with extra caution to ensure the safety of both park personnel and other drivers.
The first set of closures begins on Monday, September 14, and extends through Thursday, September 17. During this period, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, a single-lane closure will be in effect for the southbound section of the Spur. This specific work zone is located between the Gatlinburg Welcome Center and the Gatlinburg City Limit. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park indicated that these closures are necessary for storm damage repairs. The planned work includes adding stabilization to the side of the road, replacing concrete curbs, and implementing new drainage systems to mitigate future damage.
Concurrently, beginning September 14 and concluding on Wednesday, September 16, shoulder closures are scheduled near Huskey Grove Bridge. These closures will affect both the north and southbound acceleration ramps from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Park personnel will be conducting utility surveys in preparation for future construction projects. Workers will be positioned behind the guardrails and medians in both northbound and southbound lanes, and drivers are again advised to proceed with caution in these areas.
A more extensive period of single-lane closures is slated to begin on Monday, September 21, and will run through Friday, September 30. These closures, scheduled from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on weekdays, are for ongoing utility work near Huskey Grove Bridge. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park plans to initiate these single-lane closures on the southbound lanes, subsequently shifting the work zone to the northbound lanes as projects progress. A significant detail for northbound commuters is that the single-lane closure will directly impact the tunnel section of the roadway. Work on this particular project is scheduled to conclude earlier in the day on Friday, September 25, at noon, and no work is planned over the weekend.
The Gatlinburg Spur represents a vital transportation link within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This roadway forms an integral part of the scenic Foothills Parkway system. Spanning approximately 4.2 miles, the Spur is characterized by its four-lane divided configuration. It serves as a critical connector between the popular tourist destinations of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Each year, millions of park visitors utilize this route, making it a primary gateway to the park. The National Park service notes that the Spur is recognized as one of the busiest routes in the entire region, consistently carrying a daily average of 40,000 vehicles during the peak summer season alone. This high volume of traffic underscores the importance of the scheduled maintenance and utility projects.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park advises that visitors and residents needing up-to-date information on these road closures and any other construction activities check the official park website. The park also reiterates its request for all motorists to drive carefully through the affected areas during the entirety of the project timelines.
