NATCHEZ — Work on a road project that will save six miles round trip to the Natchez-Adams County Port is on track to be completed in a little more than three months.

County Engineer Jim Marlow said that at the end of March the Government Fleet Road extension project was 54 percent complete and should be 60 percent complete by the end of this month. The $3.6 million project will allow more direct access to the port from U.S. 84 rather than directing some port traffic down nearly five miles of residential land on Providence Road.

Last week, construction crews worked to pour the concrete for a 100-foot span on the bridge that will connect the new road to the port.

“All of the beams are in on the bridge now,” Marlow said. “This will be the second span of five spans they will be pouring.”

The 190-foot bridge is unique for the area because it will be built on a curve and will have an 8-percent grade. Beams for the bridge were made off-site but were made for quick assembly by being pre-fitted for the project.

The bridge crosses 24 feet over the existing rail lines in the port.

To build the Government Fleet Road extension, crews first had to make several cuts into the bluffs in the area, giving the hills surrounding the project the appearance of giant steps.

The work that will affect the most residents is the relocation of Magnolia Bluff Road. Marlow said crews have resumed the dirt work for the Magnolia Bluff Road portion of the project.

“Magnolia Bluff Road was relocated because we are lowering its existing intersection with Government Fleet,” Marlow said. “We are realigning that road to come in at another area.”

With the advent of construction of the relocated Magnolia Bluff Road, the present road will be closed and drivers will start using the new road while it is being constructed.

“It may be a little delay where we are making the tie ins to the existing road, but it would just be a matter of one lane traffic with flagmen for a short period of time,” Marlow said.

“They will try to be the least inconvenience (to drivers).”

The county engineer said the entire project should be complete and open by July.

W.E. Blain and Sons are contracted for the construction.