ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Gatlinburg Bypass remains closed as crews continue cleanup efforts following a significant landslide Saturday morning, the National Park Service said.
Crews worked through the weekend to remove more than 70 loads of debris from the road and are still clearing drainage ditches and a blocked culvert, officials said.
The landslide, reported near the Great Smoky Mountains picture sign around noon on Sept. 27, was triggered by nearly 3.5 inches of rain that fell between 10-11:30 a.m., the park service said. Mud, trees and other debris covered about 150 feet of the roadway, with deposits ranging from 1 to 4 feet, blocking both lanes.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open. Visitors can access the Sugarlands area via U.S. 441 through Gatlinburg.
The park expressed gratitude for the assistance of the city of Gatlinburg, Sevier County and the city of Sevierville in responding to the slide.
