Motorists planning to travel through the Great Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg will need to take note of upcoming roadwork. The National Park Service has announced that the Gatlinburg Bypass will be closed to all traffic from the Gatlinburg Scenic Overlook to Newfound Gap Road starting August 21. The closure, beginning at 8 p.m., is required to facilitate bridge rehabilitation efforts and is expected to last until 8 p.m. on August 25, WATE reports.
The scope of the work entails crews installing a new bridge deck and undertaking a plethora of maintenance tasks. According to Knox News, these tasks include cleaning drainage ditches, repairing damaged guardrails, removing litter, as well as mowing road shoulders. During the rehabilitation process, the Gatlinburg Overlook and Campbell Lead Road will remain open to the public.
This infrastructure project is part of an $11 million investment from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund. The funding aims to rehabilitate a two-mile section of Newfound Gap Road near Gatlinburg—a major artery for park visitors. Since its commencement in April, the road project is on track and slated for completion by September's end, The Mountain Press highlights.
While the temporary closure may cause some inconvenience for travelers, the long-term benefits of the bridge and road improvements are set to enhance safety and accessibility for years to come. Drivers are advised to seek alternate routes and plan to avoid potential delays during the construction period. Further details and updates will surely be shared by park officials as the closure dates approach, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can navigate the changes without undue disruption.
