For years some people in this part of the world have fussed and complained over a lack of good four-lane access to the area.

On the Mississippi side of the river, that’s becoming a concern of the past as four-lane work has progressed at blazing speeds in recent years thanks to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Interestingly, however, a renewed interest has emerged in one of the oldest “highways” the area has — the Natchez Trace Parkway.

What was once a trail through the woods has become one of the area’s most beautiful features.

With the Liberty Road-U.S. 61 intersection work nearly finished, the Natchez Trace will be easy to access and offer a bold, beautiful entrance for visitors coming into the city.

On Tuesday, more than 100 residents met to hear future plans and dreams leaders have for the Natchez Trace.

Although it’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking of the Trace as a purely a federal project, the project is more than that. The Trace is a vital key in the area’s tourism industry and a huge resource for our community.

We’d all be wise to remember that and stay involved in the Trace, lobbying for its support.

Despite the value of four-lane highway access, in the case of the Trace, some two-lane byways might as well be paved with bricks of gold.