News Release

            Vehicles traveling to Gatlinburg along the temporary 1.2-mile detour on Hwy. 441 South (the Spur) are experiencing minor delays as a result of this week’s rockslide on the southbound side of the roadway.

Southbound traffic is being diverted onto one of the two lanes that normally carry northbound traffic on the Spur, creating two-way traffic flow. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has added yellow striping and reflective pylons to keep opposing traffic separated and flowing uninterrupted on the two-way detour section of the Spur, according to Great Smoky Mountains National Park spokesperson Nancy Gray.

            Motorists should use extreme caution while passing through the detour area which includes 1.2 miles of the 5-mile Spur which links Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge.

            “We are working with TDOT to improve the configuration of temporary traffic barriers and the signage to help keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible and to maximize public safety,” Smokies Chief of Facilities Alan Sumeriski said. “We will also be adding numerous signs in the detour area to guide residents and visitors to each of the side roads that are accessed off the Spur.”

TDOT has placed no restrictions on large trucks including semis or on large tour buses which use the detour and officials have stated that traffic has been running smoothly in the area since the slide occurred on January 25.