Mountain Road Collapse

Sister station WGOG reports that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed Newfound Gap Road also known as U.S. 441, due to a landslide which undercut the road near mile marker 22 between Collins Creeks and Webb Overlook.  The slide is estimated to be a 200-foot section of road extending 1,000 foot down slope, but the full extent of the damage is not yet known. The closure is expected to be in effect for an extended period. The park is evaluating the remainder of the roadway, but anticipates Newfound Gap Road will be opened to visitors from the Gatlinburg Entrance in Tennessee to Newfound Gap Parking lot as soon as it is possible.