On February 11th, repairs on Natchez's Canal Street Bridge were completed, allowing the removal of a 5-ton weight limit. However, a heavy fine is looming for truckers.
What's new: Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson announced that trucks caught crossing the bridge will face a $1,000 fine.
- The bridge is now open for tour buses and emergency vehicles, but commercial trucks are strongly discouraged.
- A new ordinance empowers local police to issue $1,000 tickets to 18-wheelers violating this rule.
The reason: The repairs, while a temporary fix, are designed to extend the bridge's lifespan by five years to gather funds for a complete replacement.
By the numbers: Repair costs hit $660,000, coming straight from city reserves, reported Natchez Democrat.
Looking ahead: Alongside the bridge efforts, the city is also addressing other roadway issues with engineering experts to ensure safety and efficient use of resources.