NATCHEZ — With law enforcement agencies expecting heavy traffic over the Labor Day weekend, state law agencies on both sides of the Mississippi River urge drivers to be careful.

Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol troopers say they expect low fuel prices will result in more motorists over the holiday weekend, causing heavy traffic.

As a result troopers will be out in force over the weekend.

With The Dixie Thunder Run arriving in Natchez for the weekend and bringing an estimated 1,000 to 1,500 bikers, even local roads might be a little crowded too, Natchez police leaders say.

“We’ve got a lot going on in Natchez this weekend and, basically, we’re going to have extra patrols throughout the Labor Day weekend,” Natchez police detective Jerry Ford said.

Ford advised motorists to be cautious of their surroundings, and plan ahead, particularly when alcohol will be used in celebrating.

“We’re encouraging people to not drink and drive and if they’re going to drink, make sure they have a designated driver,” Ford said.

People should take plenty of time to arrive at their destination and be cautious, Ford said, especially around road work.

“We’ve got construction going on on the bridge and it being one-lane traffic like that, definitely people need to be cautious at those particular intersections,” Ford said.

In Louisiana, the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office is also getting ready for the long weekend. CPSO Chief Deputy David Hedrick said extra patrols would be out, starting Friday and continuing throughout the weekend.

“We’re going to be out in full force this weekend, both on the highways and the lakes, ensuring that our citizens and visitors of Concordia Parish are safe as we can possibly make them,” Hedrick said.

When it comes to safety near the water, Hedrick said people should make sure to use life jackets and watch children.

Hedrick said officers would also be keeping an eye on the roads.

“We’ll be vigilant with our normal patrol to try and deter drunk drivers and any kind of reckless incidents from happening,” Hedrick said.

Like Ford, Hedrick said people should call 911 if there are any issues.

“We just want everyone to have a good time and use common sense and watch out for the little ones,” Hedrick said.