Tennessee Department of Transportation

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)

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)

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.

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

Last week on Phase 2 Blalock commenced storm drain installation in the median. They also continued work on storm drain installation; utility relocation; and concrete curb, gutter, and sidewalk construction.

Southbound traffic is running smoothly on the new outside lanes (as shown in the photo below).

This week, short duration traffic stops should be expected daily throughout the project as crews move equipment and materials in and out of the work zone.

Phase 3 - Boyds Creek Highway (SR-338) to Douglas Dam Road (SR-139):

Last week on Phase 3 Simpson and their subcontractors continued construction of the access roads at the bridge, grading operations (as pictured below), bridge foundation work, storm drain installation, and slope stabilization efforts. Next week they will continue work under the bridge and on grading and storm drain installation operations throughout the project.

Expect nightly lane closures on southbound SR-66 between SR-139 and SR-338 Tuesday (5/29) – Thursday (5/31) from 6:30pm to 6:00 am as crews shift traffic on the bridge in towards the median parapet and set sections of temporary concrete barrier rail throughout the project.

Short duration traffic stops should be expected daily throughout the project as crews move 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: 05/25/2012


Installing median storm drain on Phase 2.	Excavating rock from bridge pier footing on Phase 3.

Excavating rock for bridge pier footing on Phase 3.	Installing silt fence with backing on Phase 3.

Preparing for sidewalk construction on Phase 2.	Spreading rip rap for ditch stabilization on Phase 2.