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Highway 66


Tennessee Highway 66
Great Smoky Mountains Parkway
Improvement Project

Project Update

If you’ve ever driven from I-40 to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg in the last 15 years, you have come to expect congestion along State Route 66, The Great Smoky Mountains Parkway. The Tennessee Department of Transportation was able to accelerate funding to improve this important route with funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The first phase of this vital connector from I-40 to the Great Smoky Mountains began in July 2009. Phase One construction begins at State Route 338, Boyds Creek Highway to Nichols Street in Sevierville. The entire project from I-40 to downtown Sevierville will widen the existing highway from 4-lanes to 6-lanes improving congestion and enhancing safety for the traveling public.
(general location map) Adobe PDF file

Phase One of the highway 66 improvement project was awarded to Charles Blalock and Sons for $38,698,150.68 in June 2009. The project was completed in November 2011. (project phase map) Adobe PDF file

Phase Two was awarded in August, 2010 for $23,290,881.45. It is estimated to be completed by November, 2012. Phase Three was approved for construction funding this year for FY 2012-13.

Highway 66 serves as the main artery into the popular tourist areas of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg which are the Gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 8 million people visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, making it the most visited national park in the country.

Project Videos

Project Update

Improving 66 Facts

Important Project NOTES:  For those traveling to Knoxville, the Henley Bridge closed beginning January 3, 2011 for about 30 months. Please refer to the project website for detailed information: www.tn.gov/Henley.com

The speed limit is now 35 mph in the Phase 2 corridor (SR-66 from SR-139 (Douglas Dam Road) to I-40). It will remain in effect for the duration of the project (November 30, 2012).

Phase 1 – Nichols Street to Boyds Creek Highway:

Phase 1 is completed!

Before... After!
BeforeAfter

Phase 2 – Douglas Dam Road (SR-139) to south of the I-40 Interchange:

Despite the rain, Blalock continued to make progress this week on Phase 2 on the retaining wall, signal pole foundations, storm drain, and underground utility relocations.  Demolition of the old power lines is nearly complete and AT&T continued work on their relocations. 

Next week, crews will also continue the 5 minute stoppages daily Monday (1/30) through Friday (2/3), as needed, from SR-139 to I-40 for movement of equipment and materials in and out of the work zone.

If you have any questions regarding the project, please call us at 865.429.4509.  As always, please use extreme caution and reduce speed  through the work zone.

Updated: 01/27/2012


Working on overhead electric relocations on Phase 2. Working on retaining wall on Phase 2.
Forming the next section of the retaining wall on Phase 2. Augering for signal pole foundation on Phase 2.
Installing side drain on Phase 2.
Installing side drain on Phase 2.
Placing fill for the sidewalk on Phase 2.
Laying storm drain on Phase 2.
Augering for a new signal pole foundation on Phase 2.
Forming next section of retaining wall on Phase 2.