Lanes on several roads near busy destinations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be temporarily closed this week, as the first steps get underway to limit “unsafe” parking at trailheads throughout the park. The move comes ahead of a plan to require visitors to purchase parking passes beginning March 1. Annual visitation to the park has increased by 57% since 2011 leading to high use at several popular destinations within the park, causing unsafe conditions for drivers and pedestrians, increased roadway congestion, and damaged roadsides. The temporary, single-lane road closures will continue on weekdays through March.
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