NPS issues decision on Gatlinburg Spur improvements
The National Park Service issued a decision and a “Finding of No Significant Impact” for the Gatlinburg Spur Improvements Environmental Assessment.
The EA looked at alternatives and environmental impacts associated with proposed improvements along the Spur. The project aims to improve the level of service at key intersections in consideration of future traffic volumes and in a manner that keeps the parkway character of the road. Based on the finding, improvements will include replacing the Wiley Oakley and Gum Stand Road bridges, extending acceleration lanes at the Huskey Grove/Flat Branch Road intersection and making various improvements at selected locations throughout the corridor.
Improvements will occur in phases as funding allows. Design for the Wiley Oakley Bridge replacement is scheduled to start in 2023. Documents associated with the project are available at parkplanning.nps.gov/spurimprovements .