News Release

Natchez Trace Parkway to Close 15-Mile Section for Major Road Rehabilitation Project

Detour in effect between mileposts 165-180. Follow the marked route and travel safely.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 18, 2026 TUPELO, Miss. — Beginning June 22, the Natchez Trace Parkway will detour motorists around a 15-mile section of parkway between state Route 12 (milepost 165) and state Route 413 (milepost 180) in Attala and Choctaw counties as construction begins on a major road rehabilitation project.

For the safety of workers and visitors, all through traffic will be detoured around the closure using a clearly marked alternate route. Motorists should expect slightly longer travel times and plan accordingly. Bicyclists traveling the parkway will need to arrange transportation around the closed section, as the detour route is not suitable for bicycle travel.

Work in this section will include full-depth roadway reconstruction, bridge repairs, drainage improvements and paving. Construction is expected to continue through mid-2027.

“This project is Phase II of a three-phase, $150 million effort to rehabilitate 83 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway,” said Superintendent Wendy Ross. “The investment, funded in part by the Great American Outdoors Act, will improve roadway conditions, enhance visitor safety and preserve critical infrastructure along one of the nation's most scenic historic routes.”

Funding for the project includes $100 million from the Legacy Restoration Fund under the GAOA and a $50 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration under the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program.

The Natchez Trace Parkway will provide updates throughout the project. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/road-and-site-status.htm or follow the Parkway on social media.

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A map showing the closed section of the Trace and detour route.

NPS Photo