Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Friday, January 29, the City of Hattiesburg officials were joined by partners at the Hattiesburg Convention Commission and House District 103 Representative Percy Watson to cut the ribbon for a new spur connecting the 44-mile Longleaf Trace into the Historic Mobile-Bouie neighborhood and the East 6th Street Museum District.

This project includes an 8-foot landscaped pathway from East 4th Street to East 6th Street on the old rail bed. 

“We are excited to open this new pathway connecting the Longleaf Trace, the 6th Street Museum District and the Historic Mobile Bouie Neighborhood,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “This furthers our goal into creating a more fair and equitable transportation system that accommodates the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. It also connects two major tourism elements in Hattiesburg, and we appreciate the partnership with and investment from the Hattiesburg Convention Commission in bringing this project to completion.”

The beginnings of this project date back to 2010, with much thanks to Rep. Watson, when original plans were drawn into extending the trace from North Main Street to the Historic Train Depot, and the completion of this project builds onto that one. 

“This project is a result of what can happen when the officials from the mayor’s office, the city council members and the Mississippi Legislature work together to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Hattiesburg,” said Watson. “I want to see us not only use this trace extension but also take care of it. Because if there was ever a time that we need to be more engaged in physical activities – that time is now.”

The total cost was $228,117 and was paid for by the Hattiesburg Convention Commission and the City of Hattiesburg. Approximately $50,000 in costs included land acquisition from the Canadian National Railroad. Work was completed by Gulf South Construction.

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