Gatlinburg Downtown Corridor Comprehensive Traffic and Pedestrian Mobility Study

Ardurra was selected by the City of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to conduct a traffic and pedestrian mobility study for the city’s downtown tourist corridor. As the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP),” Gatlinburg experiences some of the highest visitation in the nation. In 2020, GSMNP visitation exceeded 12 million despite a 46-day COVID-19 closure, and when restrictions eased in 2021, traffic volumes surged, creating severe congestion along Parkway (US 441), where pedestrian activity is heaviest.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate existing and future traffic and pedestrian conditions, identify issues, and develop short-term and long-term improvement strategies. The study area included Parkway (US 441) from East Parkway to the GSMNP boundary, River Road, and nine signalized intersections. Existing conditions were assessed through traffic and pedestrian counts, parking and transit data, and extensive field observations.

A Peer Review of recent changes at three key intersections was completed, and modified signal timing was implemented to provide immediate congestion relief. Improvement recommendations were organized into three phases: Immediate (less than 6 months), Short-term (6 months to 3 years), and Long-term (more than 3 years).

Key Highlights

• Traffic efficiency improvements, including traffic signal timing and phasing changes

• Enhanced safety for pedestrian crossing opportunities (pedestrian-only signal and pedestrian bridges)

• Implementation of a Citywide Traffic Signal Management System and an advanced traveler information system

• An expanded parking management system for the Downtown Gatlinburg area