Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — Update (2/23): Contractors will soon switch lanes as they continue repairs on the Spur tunnel.
The single-lane closure will switch to the opposite lane sometime between March 1 and March 3.
On the day of the lane change, crews need to realign a portion of the concrete barrier wall, realign the crash cushion, remove and re-establish the temporary traffic lane markings, relocate and revise traffic signs and complete other work.
The single-lane closure will continue to be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the construction period.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced that traffic on the Spur will be reduced to one lane on Jan. 3 through April 7, 2023, to allow for tunnel repairs.
Concrete barriers will be placed along the center of the tunnel to allow crews to make repairs within the closed lane, according to a release. These barriers will still allow traffic through the one open lane.
GSMNP officials asked drivers to remember to reduce speeds and refrain from honking while traveling through the construction zone to protect construction crews.
Repairs will be made to the lighting by replacing sodium lights with new LED lights, a new lighting control system on Huskey Grove Road and a propane-powered generator for backup lighting situations per park officials.
The park said repairs also include replacing drains, cleaning and painting the tunnel interior and any repairs that may be needed.
The lane closure will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the construction period. Infrastructure for the repairs began earlier in November, officials said.
This tunnel has been getting a makeover all year long and it's set to continue into next year.