(GATLINBURG, Tenn.) SMOKIES.LIVE – Planned road construction to start on Monday, January 5, 2026 could slow you down when driving between Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.
Road work work is planned by the National Park Service and is designed to improve safety and traffic flow for the millions of visitors and local residents who travel this corridor each year.
The first phase of construction will take place January 5-April 14, 2026, and will include the following improvements:
- Paving of road shoulders to eliminate hazardous edge drop-offs.
- Replacement of outdated or damaged guardrails.
- Safety improvement at gravel pull-offs.
During this phase, single-lane closures will occur daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will not exceed one mile in length. Motorists should expect traffic delays and drive with caution. To minimize disruptions during peak travel periods, no construction will take place on federal holidays, weekends (after 12 p.m. Friday), or during the Easter travel period (March 30–April 10). No nighttime work is currently planned.
40,000 cars a day use The Spur as the transportation link between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
Long range projects will include replacing Wiley Oakley and Husky Grove Bridges, rehabilitating or replacing Gum Stand Bridge.
The park is currently in the design phase for the Wiley Oakley/Legion Field Bridge replacement.
No responses yet