Date: April 21, 2006
REPAIRS ON SCHEDULE FOR SKYLAND ROAD IN CUMBERLAND GAP NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
Contact
Carol Borneman, 606-248-2817
Much needed repairs on Skyland Road in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park are proceeding well according to National Park Service Project Manager Mike Tomkosky and a reopening date of July 20th, 2006 is right on target. Tomkosky describes the project as “complex and extensive,” including pavement rehabilitation of Skyland Road, reconstruction of portions of Skyland Road, replacement/rehabilitation of roadway drainage (pipe culvert replacements), construction of new stone masonry headwalls for the pipe culverts, reconstruction of the Fort McCook and picnic parking areas, rehabilitation of the Pinnacle Overlook parking area, removal of all concrete curb, installation of approximately 3500 feet of granite curb, pouring of colored concrete sidewalks, rehabilitation of the bridge over Sugar Run Road, and the complete replacement of one roadway retaining wall and the extension of another roadway retaining wall. To date, reconstruction of portions of Skyland Road has been completed, 90% of pipe culverts have been replaced/rehabilitated, approximately 15% of the new stone masonry headwalls have been installed, reconstruction of the Fort McCook and picnic parking areas are 60% complete, the Pinnacle Overlook parking area (minus paving) has been rehabilitated, existing curbs have been removed and all 3500 linear feet of new granite curb have been installed, 95% of the new colored concrete sidewalks have been poured, rehabilitation of the bridge over Sugar Run Road is 10% complete, and the replacement of the one roadway retaining wall is nearing 30% completion with the other roadway retaining wall nearing 50% completion. Park Superintendent Mark Woods agrees that while these percentages and numbers may be daunting, the rehabilitated Skyland Road will be a showcase for the area, providing a safe and enjoyable drive to the Pinnacle Overlook. For additional information on the Skyland Road repair or park activities, call (606) 248-2817.
