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Final Stretch Of Foothills Parkway To Finally Open At Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Published Date

October 26, 2018
The last section of the Foothills Parkway at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is opening/NPS

The last section of the Foothills Parkway at Great Smoky Mountains National Park is scheduled to open next month/NPS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials plan to open the long-awaited section of the Foothills Parkway between Walland and Wears Valley, Tennessee, on Saturday, November 10. The public will be able to experience the entire 16-mile roadway for the first time since construction began in 1966, including the 1.65-mile section known as the ‘Missing Link’ which is now connected by a series of nine bridges.

“We are grateful to the visionaries in the 1930s who conceived the idea of a parkway and to the countless people who have tirelessly worked since then to complete this spectacular section,” said Superintendent Cassius Cash. “We can’t wait for people to experience the unparalleled views offered along this new Smokies destination.”

The completion of the roadway was made possible due to a decades-long partnership among the State of Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division (EFLHD) of the Federal Highway Administration, and the National Park Service (NPS) at a total cost of $178 million. Funding for the final paving was provided through a $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) VIII grant secured by the Tennessee Department of Transportation along with $15 million from the State of Tennessee and $7 million through the NPS Federal Lands Transportation Program.

The Foothills Parkway now consists of two finished sections at either end of the 72-mile corridor. The western section now extends 33 continuous miles from Chilhowee to Wears Valley, offering a new recreational experience for motorists and cyclists. The eastern section, completed in 1968, extends six miles from Cosby to Interstate 40 and offers views of Mount Cammerer. 

Park officials plan to invite the public to preview the parkway by foot, if conditions permit, before it opens to motorists. This pedestrian opportunity is tentatively planned for Thursday, November 8, during the morning hours utilizing a shuttle operation.  

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Comments

Submitted by Ya boy on October 27, 2018 - 4:45pm.

nice


Submitted by Richard Long on November 12, 2018 - 6:06am.

We drove the parkway Saturday afternoon and it was absolutely beautiful. The views from the bridges overlooking our favorite town, are breathtaking. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work and as I have just learned, prayers for those lost building this. 


Submitted by Steve Brueck on November 14, 2018 - 7:44am.

Headed there this weekend! 


Submitted by David Drummond on November 15, 2018 - 3:10pm.

I drove the new section from Wallend to Wears Valley the morning it opened and it is spectacular....probably better views than anywhere on the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive.


Submitted by Landon on November 20, 2018 - 7:47pm.

Drove it November 18th. The sunsets are awesome!


Submitted by Roger Huff on December 29, 2018 - 3:54pm.

I can't believe this is finally open. It offers spectacular views all the way. Those nine bridges are awesome.

I am still not sure if i am just dreaming.

Thanks for all the hard work, it must have took many man hours to complete this challenging feat of construction.


Submitted by Jennifer on February 10, 2019 - 6:42pm.

Where do you get on the Foothills Parkway from the Townsend side? 


Submitted by GV on March 1, 2019 - 4:36pm.

From Townsend you have to go back to Walland. There are signs to the Parkway entrance.


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