NATCHEZ — Plans to renovate the downtown railroad depot are inching further down the track.

Consulting Engineer Sharpie Smith of Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. said the city is preparing to bid the project for a third time.

“The first time we did it, we didn’t receive any bids,” Smith said. “The second time, the bids were all too high.”

The lowest bid in the last round of bids was $1.19 million.

Natchez Community Development Director James Johnston said the depot’s renovation plan would include extensive roof repair, new electrical installations, updated plumbing and general interior and exterior updates.

If funds allow, Smith said new restrooms and sidewalks leading up to the riverfront from the depot could also be in store.

“Hopefully within the next three months, we will be able to advertise (the project),” Smith said.

Before a plan can be finalized, and bids advertised, Johnston said the Mississippi Department of Transportation must first approve the redrafted plan.

Johnston said, at the earliest, the bid advertisement process could begin in June.

Once a bid is accepted, Smith estimated the project would take 240 days to complete.

“We started on the project probably almost two years ago,” Smith said. “So hopefully we can get to work soon.”

The city-owned depot is located on North Broadway Street and has housed several businesses in the past, like Cock of the Walk and Old South Trading Post.