A massive rockslide closed a 20-mile stretch of interstate between the Haywood County boundary and the Tennessee state line last October. Originally it was expected that the highway would reopen in March, however, State Department of Transportation officials announced the delay on Tuesday, citing cold temperatures, rain, snow and heavy winds as cause for the delay.
When the interstate reopens next month, one westbound lane will remain closed for an additional four to five months while work continues to install catchment fencing and protective netting.
The Mountaineer published a pretty good article yesterday that discusses how the businesses in the effected areas are barely hanging on after seeing their revenues plummet over the last several months. You can click here to read the article.
> Meanwhile, through-bound travelers will continue to use Newfound Gap Road as a detour. With Cades Cove being closed due to construction from now through May, this will put even more Smokies tourists on Newfound Gap Road. Should be fun getting back to Gatlinburg in the late afternoons over the next couple of months!
Jeff
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