Workers cutting new road to increase port access

NATCHEZ — Workers have been busy using heavy machinery to cut through a bluff in Natchez as part of a road project aimed at increasing access to the Mississippi River city’s port.

Truck drivers will eventually have about six miles cut off their round trips to the port once the Government Fleet Road extension is completed in approximately one year.

Natchez Inc. executive director Chandler Russ tells the Natchez Democrat the project will be a “huge benefit to the current businesses down there as well as the future business and industry.”

Most crews are mostly doing earthwork right now, as well as driving pilings for the bridge.

A 190-foot bridge from the Government Fleet Extension will help connect the road to L.E. Barry Road at the port.