The National Park Service (NPS) has officially reopened a 24-mile stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway while announcing the next phase of its major road rehabilitation effort in central Mississippi.
Traffic is once again flowing on the section between State Highway 16 (milepost 135) and State Highway 19 (milepost 159). The reopening marks a major milestone in an ongoing multi-phase infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing and preserving the scenic historic route.
However, motorists and bicyclists should prepare for a new detour starting Monday, Nov. 2.
New Detour in Attala County
Beginning Nov. 2, the NPS will close a six-mile section of the parkway between State Highway 19 (milepost 159) and State Highway 12 (milepost 165) in Attala County.
Drivers will be directed onto a clearly marked seven-mile detour using State Routes 19 and 12. Motorists are advised to expect slightly longer travel times.
NPS officials noted that the detour route is not suitable for bicycle travel, so bicyclists traveling along the parkway will need to arrange vehicular transportation around the six-mile closure. Construction on this segment is expected to continue through March 2027.
Major Investment in Infrastructure
Work on the newly closed section will include full-depth roadway reconstruction, bridge repairs, drainage improvements, and repaving.
The overall project is funded through a $100 million investment from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund—signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020—alongside a $50 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program.
“With each completed segment, we’re restoring a historic roadway that millions of people use not just for travel, but for recreation, education and connection,” said Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Wendy Hart Ross. “The completion of this section represents real progress, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we work to strengthen the parkway for future generations.”
For real-time road conditions and project updates, travelers can visit nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/road-and-site-status or follow the Natchez Trace Parkway on social media.
