NATCHEZ — Approximately 12 to 16 inches will be shaved off the notorious hump on Canal Street, City Engineer David Gardner said Tuesday.

Gardner said work to lower the hump will be incorporated into the overlay of the downtown central business district financed by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The hump became a subject of debate after five teenagers were injured in an accident New Year’s Day. The GMC pickup the teenagers were traveling in apparently topped the hump, causing the driver to lose control. Two of the teens injured are still hospitalized in Jackson.

Since that time, the City of Natchez purchased $4,500 worth of building materials for solar-powered flashing light signs warning motorists of the hump.

The signs are installed on the northbound and southbound lanes. Rumble strips were also laid down as a signal for motorists to slow down.

Gardner said because of the gas and sewer lines located under the hump, it will be difficult to lower the hump more than 16 inches. Overlay work began at the corner of Rankin and Washington streets last week.