On October 17, the National Park Service (NPS) highlighted ongoing issues facing truck drivers on US 441/Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee. This route is off-limits to large commercial vehicles, yet some drivers are using it to bypass closed interstate highways.
What's happening: Trucks are not permitted on this narrow, winding road, but closures on I-40 and I-26 due to Hurricane Helene have led truckers seeking alternative routes.
- Incidents so far include a commercial car hauler crashing on October 3, and a semi-truck's brakes catching fire.
- October 5 saw another vehicle struck by a commercial truck trailer crossing over the center line.
- Most recently, on October 13, a semi-truck became stuck overnight on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail.
The consequences: Violations result in fines up to $5,000. In addition, Rangers are maintaining 24-hour checkpoints to deter commercial traffic.
Efforts include using signages and traffic cones to discourage entry, reported according to the National Park Service.
As of now, over 800 commercial vehicles have been turned back, showing the robust efforts to ensure safety for all park visitors.