The first phase of the repair work on the section of Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) that was damaged in a recent landslide began on January 28 and Park officials hope to have the road reopened by summer.

The first phase consists of building an access road to the slide area, removing debris and stabilizing the slope near the work area. It should be completed in a few weeks.

The second phase will be the total reconstruction of the roadway.

Bids are being taken for the second phase and it’s estimated that the total cost will be between $3,000,000.00 and $7,000,000.00

Officials are expecting the work to be completed by mid-May or early June.

The road will remain closed to thru traffic during the construction phase, but visitors will still able to access the park to Newfound Gap from the Tennessee side and to Smokemont Campground from the Cherokee entrance.