RIDGELAND, MS– The Natchez Trace Parkway will begin storm damage cleanup in the vicinity of Milepost 114 – Milepost 124 this week. Construction crews will be removing storm damaged timber from the perimeter of the motor road, Cypress Swamp, Riverbend, and sections of the National Scenic Trail. Motorists should use caution and watch out for work crews when traveling along this section of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The National Park Service will assess Cypress Swamp and Riverbend pullovers to determine the extent of the damage upon removal of the downed timber. “The straight-line winds that moved through the area earlier this year had a major impact on our park’s resources. We’re excited to get the area cleaned up, so the Parkway can move forward with more in-depth assessments of the damage to the area,” stated Chief of Maintenance, Greg Smith. Once crews have completed the initial cleanup of the area, the work will require heavier equipment. The motor road will be closed due to unsafe conditions within the roadway, and a detour will be put in place. Information about the detour and closure will be provided when the heavy equipment operation begins and will remain in effect until the work is complete. For more information about this project and the Natchez Trace Parkway, call (800) 305-7417.
