News Release

Natchez Trace Parkway Reopens 24-Mile Section as Roadwork Advances

Crews lay new gravel as part of full-depth reconstruction on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. 

NPS Photo/K.Tyler

News Release Date: October 30, 2026

TUPELO, Miss. — Consistent with President Donald J. Trump’s directive to keep parks open and accessible, the National Park Service continues to advance critical repairs along the Natchez Trace Parkway in a 24-mile section of the route between State Highway 16 (milepost 135) and State Highway 19 (milepost 159), which will reopen Oct. 30. Thanks to investment from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund, signed into law by President Trump in 2020, the project has restored visitor access to this section of the Parkway, marking another milestone as construction continues elsewhere along the route.

A new detour is planned to take effect around a six-mile section of the Parkway between State Highway 19 (milepost 159) and State Highway 12 (milepost 165) in Attala County, Mississippi Nov. 2. Construction in this section is expected to continue through March 2027.

“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 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 the safety of workers and visitors, the park will detour traffic 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.

This road segment is part of a larger project funded through a $100 million investment from the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund and a $50 million grant from the Federal Highway Administration’s Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program. This project will improve roadway conditions, enhance visitor safety, and preserve critical infrastructure along one of the nation’s most scenic historic routes. The work included in this next phase of the project includes full-depth roadway reconstruction, bridge repairs, drainage improvements and paving.

For construction updates, visit nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/road-and-site-status or follow the parkway on social media.

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Tags: great american outdoors act, road construction, natchez trace parkway

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