NATCHEZ — The hump on Canal Street that has served as a thrill or nightmare for motorists for decades is now the cause of debate among city officials and concerned citizens.

After a one-vehicle accident New Year’s Day which left five teens injured and at least one paralyzed from the shoulders down, Tony Scudiero wants to do something to make Canal Street safer.

The father of one of the injured students, Scudiero said it’s time to act and make the road safer for drivers before future accidents have the chance to occur.

“My thought is that there needs to be something there where cars have to slow down before they reach that drop off,” Scudiero said. “Coming from it is okay because you go up and you know it’s there, but coming toward it, there needs to be something there that warns people to slow down.”

Scudiero said since his daughter, Jennifer, 18, was involved in the New Year’s wreck, he’s heard people talking about other accidents that have occurred at the same location.

“This isn’t something that just occurred for the first time the other night,” Scudiero said.

Scudiero said he plans to speak with City Engineer David Gardner Monday about steps he needs to take to fix the road.

He said he also plans to set up an appointment with Mayor Jake Middleton.

“We have to get the ball started,” Scudiero said. “I wouldn’t want the next person or the next time there is a problem to result in a death when we can fix it now.”

Gardner agrees something needs to be done about the hump.

“It’s been there as long as I can remember,” Gardner said. “It’s been paved over, but whether the city may have done it or the railroad company, I don’t know.”

Gardner said the legalities of fixing the road will have to be discussed with Middleton to see what actions the city can take in safeguarding the area.

“We have gone through and installed signs or warning devices that help people realize there is something ahead that they need to slow down for. That is something I fully intend on doing,” Gardner said.

“It’s unfortunate that this incident happened, and it’s certainly going to warrant us looking at it and finding ways to make it safer.

“My heart pours out to the families who were involved in that wreck. If there is something the city needs to look into, we certainly will do that,” Gardner said.

Police Chief Mike Mullins said the area is a hazard for drivers, but manageable for those driving the speed limit.

However, Mullins said he hopes that something is done to the hump.

“It would be great if the city could find a way to cut it down so it’s not such a large hump in the road,” Mullins said. “It’s definitely a hazard. It would be best if it were made smaller.”

Middleton said he considers the area a temptation zone for thrill seekers.

“Growing up in Natchez, probably every kid has gone over that rail road track at excessive speeds — not 100 miles per hour, but fast,” Middleton said. “I’m going to talk to David (Gardner) and see what is under (the hump) as far as utilities go.

“We’re going to just have to look at it and see what we can do. Canal Street is considered a gaming street so there could be some funds we could get from the state to assist with it.

“We’re going to do everything we can to look at all possible ways to fix it or at least knock it down some,” Middleton said.