The planned route for the new bypass road near Mandeville connecting La. 1088 to U.S. 190. Construction began April 7 and is expected to be complete within two years. MAP PROVIDED BY ST.

The section of the Gatlinburg Bypass is scheduled to close from 8 p.m. Aug. 21 until 8 p.m. Aug. 25, according to the National Park Service. Crews will be installing a new bridge deck.

Ministers approved the 2.5 mile (3.9km) bypass in 2023 after motorists said the road had become a "pinch point" at Long Stratton.

The plan for a northern bypass had been discussed for a number of years, but confidence in it grew when Suffolk County Council seriously considered it several years ago.

One would function like a traditional bypass, tying into U.S. 401 south of Fuquay-Varina and near Banks Road northeast of town. The road would cross N.C. 55 but not near the Angier bypass.