Louisiana Circle, one of the more popular river overlooks along Washington Street has been reopened for car and pedestrian traffic, according to Vicksburg National Military Park officials.

It was closed in April of 2017 after heavy rains caused part of the soil slope to collapse. The damage has not been repaired, but a recent reassessment from the US Army Corps of Engineers has allowed the National Park Service to open the circle to modified use.

The overlook remains closed RVs, buses and trailers, and temporary barriers have been placed along the western side of the roadway to keep cars and pedestrians away from the road damage.   

The National Park Service is continuing to work with the Federal Highways Administration to fully repair the damaged road.

Louisiana Circle was one of three overlooks off Washington Street closed by the park. The other two were Navy Circle and South Circle.

Park Superintendent Bill Justice said in July a fence is being installed on Navy Circle off Washington Street to resolve a safety problem, adding the area will be reopened after the fence is installed. South Circle may also reopen in the future, he said.

Louisiana Circle will remain open to public use 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.