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Foothills Parkway temporary closure schedule modified
May 20, 2022


GSMNP -- Great Smoky Mountains National Park says that the Foothills Parkway closure from the Look Rock Observation Tower parking area west to the Highway 129 intersection near Chilhowee Lake has been extended through June 17 for the repaving project. From June 20 through August 31, the roadway will then be fully closed from the Flats Road intersection near Look Rock to the Highway 321 intersection near Walland, TN. These full roadway closures are necessary to complete the work safely and efficiently.

During these periods, the roadway sections are fully closed to all pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The remaining construction work will be conducted with single-lane closures from August 31, 2022, through May 5, 2023. Motorists should expect delays during this time period. Butterfly Gap Road, Flats Road, Happy Valley Road, and Top of the World will remain accessible for local travel throughout the closure period.





For more information about alternative scenic roads to explore during the construction period, please visit the park’s website.

Background:
Funding for this repaving project, $31 million, was provided from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). This project will reduce more than $25 million in deferred maintenance associated with the Foothills Parkway, support 400 jobs, and contribute $85.5 million to the nation’s economy.

The Federal Highway Administration awarded the construction contract to a local, small business that will manage the project. Work will include repaving the roadway, restoring guardrails, repairing bridges and drainage, and replacing asphalt walkways with ADA compliant concrete sidewalks. The scenic Foothills Parkway West provides access to 16 overlooks, including the popular Look Rock Observation Tower, the recently reopened Look Rock Picnic Area, and the soon-to-be-reopened Look Rock Campground.

GAOA’s National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, supported by revenue from energy development, provides up to $1.9 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks and other public lands to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors. GAOA, the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks.
















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