A landslide in Great Smoky Mountains National Park occurred on the Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) about 11 a.m. Monday in North Carolina, about 1 mile south of the state line at Newfound Gap. 
     Park road crews cleared the road of the debris and then managed the area with flaggers allowing alternating one lane of traffic through a parking area adjacent to the slide. 
     Traffic continued to be managed through this area during the daylight hours. 
     Because of concerns over more mud and debris falling from the hillside onto the roadway and out of concern for motorists and Park employee’s safety, Park officials closed the road to all traffic overnight Monday. 
     The road reopened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and flaggers were on site to direct traffic around the slide area.
     On Tuesday a detour was put into place to allow two way traffic through a parking area adjacent to the slide area. 
     In order to keep Newfound Gap Road open, Park officials will keep the detour in place for a couple of weeks while they continue to monitor the slope's activity to determine its stability.   
     Park officials are advising motorists to drive cautiously and adhere to the 15 mile per hour speed limit.

 

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