TUPELO — The Natchez Trace Parkway will close the Double Arch Bridge near Nashville beginning April 15 for construction of a permanent pedestrian safety barrier, the National Park Service said. The bridge will be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists until spring 2027, the agency said.
A portion of the parkway between Big Tree Overlook at milepost 440 and the Highway 96 off-ramp at milepost 437 will also be closed during construction, parkway officials said. A 7.5-mile detour route will be in place, and additional travel information will be available online and through the parkway’s social media channels, the agency said.
“Visitor safety is our top priority,” Superintendent Wendy Ross said in a statement. “This project is an important step in ensuring the Double Arch Bridge continues to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone who visits the Natchez Trace Parkway.” The work will replace a temporary barrier with a permanent structure described as more durable, effective and visually appealing. Crews will also perform preventative maintenance on the bridge, including repainting.
Officials advised bicyclists planning long-distance rides to park at the Highway 96 off-ramp and travel south of milepost 437. For shorter rides, cyclists can park at milepost 442 and ride to Big Tree Overlook and back. Completed in 1994, the 1,572-foot Double Arch Bridge spans Birdsong Hollow at about 155 feet, was the first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge in the United States and received the 1995 Presidential Award for Design Excellence. The structure is considered eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places because of its engineering and design. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
