Underground Electrical Power Project Underway At Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Utility work in park

News Release Date: December 11, 2014

Contact: Carol Borneman, [phone]

Visitors Cautioned to Be Alert When Driving and Walking

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park offers visitors exciting year-round opportunities for recreation, history, nature, exhibits and programs. But the slower winter season is a time when substantial park projects are undertaken to limit the impact to visitors with an underground electrical power project presently underway. Park Superintendent Sula Jacobs explains the project as "one demanding our attention to insure visitor safety and convenience.  The above ground electrical lines which service the visitor center and surrounding areas are often severely impacted during inclement weather. Snow, ice and even wind can create insufficiencies in visitor services and dangerous situations for visitors and workers alike."

In light of this, the park is currently working with Kentucky Utilities to move areas of existing above ground utility lines to underground locations.  The project is presently in the Bartlett Park area, but will eventually impact the Fitness Trail and visitor center area, including the popular adjoining field often times used in the winter for sledding. Insuring the safety of visitors during this time may mean periodic closures of specific areas including the Fitness Trail, with closures as little as possible.

Pedestrians and motorists in these areas should be diligent in observing changes in trail and road conditions. These changes could include, but are not limited to, large trucks, equipment and electrical wires in traffic areas, temporary trail closures, open trenches and other dangerous ground conditions. It is difficult at this time to estimate dates of closures of trails, roads and related situations. However, subsequent information will be issued as more information becomes available.

Superintendent Jacobs stresses that visitors will want to stay aware of the updates and that the project will move forward in a timely and safe manner.  For more information contact the park visitor center at [phone].