The Gatlinburg Spur at Wiley Oakley Drive. Image by Jeaneane Payne

GATLINBURG, TN - In a significant step towards enhancing safety and infrastructure, the National Park Service (NPS) is set to launch a multi-year project on the Gatlinburg Spur beginning January 5, 2026. This scenic route, which connects Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, serves as a critical transportation link within Great Smoky Mountains National Park, accommodating millions of visitors and local residents annually.

The first phase of construction is scheduled to run from January 5 to April 14, 2026, and will focus on several key improvements designed to bolster safety and traffic flow. Among these enhancements are:

- **Paving of road shoulders** to eliminate hazardous edge drop-offs.
- **Replacement of outdated or damaged guardrails** to improve roadside protection.
- **Safety upgrades at gravel pull-offs** to ensure safer access for motorists.

During this initial phase, motorists can expect single-lane closures daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with disruptions limited to one mile in length. Visitors are advised to allow extra time for travel and to drive with caution as traffic delays may occur. To minimize inconvenience, construction will not take place on federal holidays, weekends (after 12 p.m. on Fridays), or during the Easter travel period (March 30–April 10). Notably, no nighttime work is currently planned.

This first phase marks the beginning of a broader initiative aimed at improving safety along the Spur. Future enhancements will be implemented as funding becomes available and will include the replacement of Wiley Oakley and Husky Grove Bridges, rehabilitation or replacement of Gum Stand Bridge, and rock scaling along with minor roadway realignments to enhance rockfall protection. The NPS is presently in the design phase for the replacement of the Wiley Oakley/Legion Field Bridge.

These improvements are informed by recommendations from the 2019 Traffic Study conducted by the NPS and the Federal Highway Administration. An Environmental Assessment (EA) for the identified upgrades was completed in May 2022, paving the way for the implementation of the preferred alternative outlined in the EA.

The Gatlinburg Spur, stretching approximately 4.2 miles as a four-lane divided roadway, is not only a vital artery for transportation but also offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Carrying an average of 40,000 vehicles per day during the summer season, it ranks among the busiest routes in the area. With these upcoming safety upgrades, the NPS aims to enhance the experience for all who journey through this picturesque corridor.