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Natchez Trace Parkway Grappling With Semi-Trucks That Shouldn't Be There

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Published Date

November 20, 2020

Semi-truck drivers have been heading onto the Natchez Trace Parkway even though they're banned from using it/NPS file

The national parkways that the National Park Service oversees are designed for recreational driving, and to commemorate historic trails and routes. They have low speed limits, and generally are restricted to private vehicles, not commercial traffic. Six semi-truck drivers discovered that this week when they were cited for driving along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. 

Law enforcement Ranger Tim McElwain was conducting traffic enforcement patrol early Wednesday morning when he stopped four semi-trucks near milepost 250 and cited all four drivers. Later in the afternoon, Ranger McElwain stopped two additional semi-trucks, and again both drivers were cited. 

"Despite increasing signage and enforcement, commercial vehicles on the Parkway remain a recurring problem," said Supervisory Park Ranger John Hearne. "The parkway is not wide enough for large trucks and the roadbed was never build for their weight. The poor condition of the parkway is caused, in part, by overweight vehicles." 

Chief Ranger Prashant Lotwala added that the parkway "should be utilized for outdoor recreational activities and for scenic drives. The parkway should not be used by commercial vehicles including semi-trucks.”

Commercial vehicles operating on the parkway should be reported to the communication center by calling 1-800-300-PARK(7275). 

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Comments

Submitted by sunsetryder on November 20, 2020 - 3:12pm.

Impound the vehicle and the word will get out.  Reckless endangerment.  No financial risk=no change.


Submitted by See it every day on November 20, 2020 - 8:00pm.

Commercial traffic is a horrible problem on the Trace.  Six semi's is only a drop in the bucket.  Especially in the area around Jackson, Mississippi.  As the previous comment stated, until more enforcement is done, with stricter penalties, it will continue to get worse. 


Submitted by Robert Touchstone on February 18, 2022 - 4:21pm.

10K and impound will get somebodies attention as a minimum offense!

 


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