GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The National Park Service is reminding commercial drivers that commercial vehicles are not allowed to drive on Newfound Gap Road in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the safety of all drivers.
They announced Thursday that violators will be subject to a citation as well as a fine of up to $5,000.
Newfound Gap Road is a two-lane road with steep continuous grades and tight curves. There are no truck lanes, runaway truck ramps or places for a large commercial vehicle to slow down and pull over, according to NPS.
Since Oct. 2, NPS has staffed checkpoints 24 hours a day on either end of the road with the assistance of the law enforcement staff of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Government and Sevier County officials. With their help, more than 800 commercial vehicles have been turned away.
NPS has taken multiple actions to restrict access to the road, including staffing checkpoints, use of variable message signs, working with local communities to place signs outside the park, and strategically placing traffic cones and barrels to discourage commercial vehicles.
According to NPS, they have responded to multiple incidents involving large commercial trucks.
Oct. 3.: In one incident, a commercial car hauler crashed into a wall and down an embankment and in the other, a semi-truck’s brakes caught on fire. While responding to these incidents, eight semi-trucks drove past emergency responders.
Oct. 5: An NPS ranger came upon a commercial truck hauling a commercial car hauler trailer near milepost 13 that struck a vehicle traveling in the opposing lane of travel. Due to the length of the commercial trailer, it crossed over the center dividing line and struck the pedestrian vehicle. The driver of the commercial vehicle was cited.
Oct. 13: On Roaring Fork Road Motor Nature Trail involving a semi-truck that became stuck overnight. The vehicle had to be towed out backward on Oct. 14 and the driver was cited for operating a commercial vehicle on a restricted roadway.
Drivers are encouraged to consult NCDOT and TNDOT routes before starting their trips.
