Road after plowing, Newfound Gap, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkWhen the storm abates and the plows finish clearing the roadway, the surface must be made safe for all traffic. Sanding appears simple, but a high degree of judgment is necessary to determine the proper mix to apply to the road. When the surface is soft, gravel (1/2-inch maximum size) is most effective. On ice, gravel is useless, but sand provides traction. When the road cover is melting, gravel must be used because sand washes away. Calcium and sodium chloride are mixed in varying degrees with the aggregate. In cold weather, the percentage of calcium chloride is increased, and in warmer weather, calcium choloride is not needed. Obviously, sanding isn't as simple as it looks... Sanded road.Snow Removal; February 1964 Monthly Report, II-R-SR-7899, Physical Facilities - Roads - Snow Removal Operations
View of workers removing debris of landslide on northbound lane of Gatlinburg Spur, Gatlinburg, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkIn the early morning of April 7, 1964, a large slide came down on the northbound lane of the Gatlinburg spur, about 200 feet north of the tunnel. It completely blocked the road. Traffic was diverted to the southbound lane while the slide was being removed. Removal of the slide was completed a week later. Crews laying leading" line for blasting?",Slide on Northbound Lane of Gatlinburg Spur; Foothills Parkway, II-R-FHP-7967, Physical Facilities - Roads - Foothills Parkway, Gatlinburg Bypass', Gatlinburg Spur
Oshkosh blade plow, Newfound Gap, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkStorms often occur when large accumulations are recorded at high elevations and up to 6 inches fall on the lower slopes. Such was the case from February 18th to 20th. The drag plow, attached to a stake body dump truck, is effective up to a 6-inch accumulation of snow. It frees the larger blade plows for heavier work higher on the mountain. Here the drag is being operated in tandem with the old Oshkosh blade plow, which is on light duty, and is soon scheduled for replacement.Snow Removal; February 1964 Monthly Report, II-R-SR-7891, Physical Facilities - Roads - Snow Removal Operations
Preliminary layout of access road center line, through the woods, Two-Mile branch horse concession, Gatlinburg, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkWork Order No. R-18 GRSM. Completion report photo. Preliminary layout of access road center line. Paved roadway of US-441 in foreground. Note the curve of center line to the right in background, to provide for screening of the access road.Two-Mile Branch Horse Concession; Roads, parking area, and trails, II-HC-2Mi-7224, Physical Facilities - Horse Concession Facilities - Two Mile Branch Stables
Oshkosh blade plow, Newfound Gap, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkStorms often occur when large accumulations are recorded at high elevations and up to 6 inches fall on the lower slopes. Such was the case from February 18th to 20th. The drag plow, attached to a stake body dump truck, is effective up to a 6-inch accumulation of snow. It frees the larger blade plows for heavier work higher on the mountain. Here the drag is being operated in tandem with the old Oshkosh blade plow, which is on light duty, and is soon scheduled for replacement.Snow Removal; February 1964 Monthly Report, II-R-SR-7892, Physical Facilities - Roads - Snow Removal Operations
Hub mounted on spindle, trail buggy originated by Glen Shultz, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkHub mounted on spindle. Brake backing plate discarded... This shows the 50 A 72 sprocket welded by cleats to the brake drum. This is a malleable plate sprokcet and the center section may be cut out with a torch. Be sure the brake drum is malleable steel. The brake rub plate, lever and rod are shown. Originated by Glenn Shultz... Submitted for incentive award.Trail Buggy, II-E-Trail Buggy-6970, Physical Facilities - Equipment - Trail Buggy
Workers adjusting the angle of plow blade, Newfound Gap, TennesseeGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkThe blade angle on a blade plow must be adjusted often to accommodate various snow conditions, and to allow plowing to either side of the roadway.Snow Removal; February 1964 Monthly Report, II-R-SR-7887, Physical Facilities - Roads - Snow Removal Operations
General view of landslide in the park, Bryson-Fontana Road, Byrson City, North CarolinaGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkOn 1/21/64 a large slide occurred at Station 151+00 on Project 9A2. Of the 50,000 cu. yds. of material which moved, an estimated Creek before it stopped. All plant material in it's plath was destroyed. It was conservatively estimated that 100,00cu yds. of unclassified material would have to be moved to correct the slope. The instability of the cut was first noted on Jan. 16 when a sizeable crack appeared and it became apparent that a slide would result. When it did occur it slid without warning. While no one was injured, the contractor had been operating several pieces of earth moving equipment through the area, and had the slide occurred 15 seconds later four operators could have been seriously injured or worse. At present (1/64) the bench cut is still 40 feet above finish grade. There is considerable apprehension that when the cut is completed the additional overburden will result in further slides. General view of Landslide,Slide on 9A2, II-R-BF-7742, Physical Facilities - Roads - Bryson-Fontana Road 9A