Scofflaw Truck Drivers Prompt More Signage Along Natchez Trace Parkway

Published Date

January 29, 2018

Crews from the Mississippi Department of Transportation have installed new signs at entries to the Natchez Trace Parkway to send message that tractor-trailers are not allowed on the road.

“There’s a tractor-trailer on the Parkway,” reported the caller to the dispatcher. “It’s heading north from Highway 82.”

This was the eighth call of the day on illegal trucks traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway, but this time, rangers could not respond because they were busy with a motor vehicle collision. The dispatcher thanked the caller and hoped a ranger would get free to catch the truck before it exited the Parkway, which runs through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

In the past few years, the number of tractor-trailers on the Parkway has steadily increased. Rangers and dispatchers have been tracking the most common entrance and exit points for truck traffic in an attempt to reduce the number of trucks illegally accessing the Parkway. Based on the data collected, they created a new sign plan that provides a clear notice to truckers that the Parkway is off limits.

“Each entrance already has a sign that says ‘No Commercial Vehicles.’ We are adding the universal No Truck Symbol signs to the entrances where we have the most problems with truck traffic,” Chief Ranger Sarah Davis said. “The new signs have a drawing of a truck with a red circle and slash through it. There should be no misunderstanding; trucks are prohibited on the Parkway.”

The Mississippi Department of Transportation and the City of Tupelo have already installed a number of the new signs. The Parkway will also install additional signs on many other entrance ramps. If you see a tractor trailer on the Parkway, contact 1-800-600-PARK (7275) and provide the dispatcher with the location, direction of travel, and any other identifying truck features.

Stories about:

Natchez Trace Parkway

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add new comment

Comments

Submitted by Grace House on February 3, 2018 - 8:12am.

I have ridden my bicycle on the Parkway, and really appreciate that there are no commercial vehicles allowed. Please continue to add necessary signage and to patrol to ensure the Parkway remains commercial vehicle free!! It's a beautiful National Park - let's work to keep it that way.

Thank you

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks