TUPELO – The Natchez Trace Parkway cautions visitors about pavement problems in the Mississippi section of the Parkway. Extreme drought has caused severe cracking and movement of the parkway motor road surface in many areas. Differential settlement across lanes can be problematic especially for motorcycles. The movement in the pavement surface is due to shrinkage of the underlying soils. This issue will worsen as the drought conditions continue.
Although this problem is not as prevalent in the Alabama or Tennessee sections of the parkway motor road, travelers should exercise caution and watch for areas where the pavement surface has moved. Maintenance crews continue to make repairs to the areas that require immediate attention.
For additional information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, please call (662) 680-4027 or (800) 305-7417.
Media Release/NATR Superintendent, NPS
