GATLINBURG, Tenn.—The City of Gatlinburg is pleased to announce that Cherokee Orchard Road will reopen to all traffic as at 12 p.m. on Friday afternoon, October 3, following the successful completion of emergency slope repairs.
The repairs addressed a slope failure in the 500 block of Cherokee Orchard Road, which required a full closure of the roadway beginning on September 22. Crews from Blalock Construction, who were awarded the emergency repair contract, completed the project on schedule in just 12 days. Also, the Gatlinburg Street Department assisted with the finishing of the asphalt to help expedite the reopening of the road.
“We are grateful for the community’s patience and understanding during this emergency repair project,” said City Manager Greg Patterson. “The swift completion of this work by Blalock Construction and the Gatlinburg Street Department ensures the long-term safety and stability of both the roadway and the surrounding slope. Cherokee Orchard Road is an essential route for our citizens and visitors, and restoring its full access as quickly as possible was a top priority for the City.”
Cherokee Orchard Road serves as a vital transportation corridor for both residents and the millions of visitors who travel through Gatlinburg each year, providing access to homes, businesses, and key recreational areas. Ensuring the roadway’s stability and safety was critical to maintaining the flow of local traffic and supporting the city’s tourism-based economy.
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