Work is expected to begin next month to repair Confederate Avenue and North Union Avenue in the Vicksburg National Military Park, according to information from park officials.

The Federal Highways Administration, according to the report, has awarded a contract to Central Construction Corp. in Jacksonville, Florida, to repair the damaged sections of Confederate Avenue and North Union Avenue. Work is expected to begin in January and conclude in April.

Park officials in September 2017 closed Confederate Avenue from Fort Hill to Graveyard Road in the park after heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey created an 8-foot deep void beneath the road surface.

Erosion forced park officials in February to close North Union Avenue road between Grant Avenue and the USS Cairo Museum to traffic after the shoulder near the Navy Monument collapsed.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work with our partners in the Federal Highways Administration to repair the Tour Road in the most effective and fiscally responsible manner,” said Superintendent Bill Justice. “While these repairs may take up to 3 months, we are excited to be able to reopen the entire tour road once again.”

Impacts to the Tour Road will be minimal, but intermittent delays may be expected.  During the construction, the section of road will be closed to pedestrians.

Construction areas will be closed to all pedestrian and vehicle traffic. “We are closing these areas for the safety of employees, contractors, and visitors and for the security of the work areas” Superintendent Justice added.