In January, the National Park Service will begin a multi-year project to improve safety and infrastructure on the Gatlinburg Spur, a scenic road connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The project is designed to improve safety and traffic flow for the millions who travel this corridor each year.
The Spur forms part of the scenic Foothills Parkway. Stretching approximately 4.2 miles, the four-lane divided roadway serves as a gateway for millions of park visitors each year. While it offers stunning views of the Smokies, the Spur is also one of the busiest routes in the area, carrying an average of 40,000 vehicles per day during the summer season. The planned improvements will enhance safety and preserve the scenic experience for all who travel this route.
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- Replacement of outdated or damaged guardrails.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 the first phase, 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.
Future improvements following the first phase will take place as funding allows and will include replacing Wiley Oakley and Husky Grove Bridges, rehabilitating or replacing Gum Stand Bridge, and completing rock scaling and minor roadway realignments to improve rockfall protection. These improvements are all based on recommendations of the 2019 Traffic Study conducted by the NPS and the Federal Highway Administration.
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