Gatlinburg Bypass Remains Closed From Landslide

The Gatlinburg Bypass in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains closed today as crews continue cleanup efforts following what park officials called a significant landslide. Park officials say nearly 3 and a half inches of rain fell in about 90 minutes late Saturday morning. That triggered a landslide, which included mud, trees and other debris covering approximately 150 feet of roadway with 1 to 4 feet of mud and debris that blocked both lanes of travel.

Crews worked through the weekend to remove more than 70 loads of debris from the road. Crews are continuing this week to clear debris from the road drainage, ditches, and a culvert, which is currently blocked. The park says they will provide an update once the site is fully stabilized and the road is ready and safe for the public to use again.