Natchez Trace Parkway to Close Double Arch Bridge for Construction Through 2027

The iconic bridge will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists for over 3 years for safety upgrades.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A bold, geometric illustration depicting the towering, streamlined form of the Double Arch Bridge against a backdrop of rolling hills and forests, capturing the grand scale and monumental nature of this landmark structure on the Natchez Trace Parkway.The iconic Double Arch Bridge, a landmark of the Natchez Trace Parkway, will undergo a major construction project to enhance pedestrian safety, temporarily closing the bridge to all visitors.Today in Nashville

The National Park Service announced that the Natchez Trace Parkway's famous Double Arch Bridge near Nashville will be closed starting April 15 for construction of a permanent pedestrian safety barrier. The bridge will be shut down to all traffic, including motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, until spring 2027 as crews work to replace a temporary barrier with a more durable and visually appealing permanent structure. Officials say the project is a critical step to ensure the safety and accessibility of the historic bridge.

Why it matters

The Double Arch Bridge is an iconic landmark along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic route that connects Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. The bridge's closure will significantly impact travel and recreation in the region, requiring a 7.5-mile detour and limiting access for cyclists and pedestrians. However, the safety upgrades are necessary to protect visitors and preserve the historic structure, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The details

The construction project will replace the bridge's temporary safety barrier with a permanent structure designed to be more durable, effective, and visually appealing. Crews will also perform preventative maintenance on the bridge, including repainting. During the closure, a 7.5-mile detour route will be in place, and officials have advised bicyclists to park at specific access points to continue their rides.

  • The Natchez Trace Parkway will close the Double Arch Bridge on April 15, 2026.
  • The bridge will remain closed to all traffic, including motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, until spring 2027.

The players

Natchez Trace Parkway

A 444-mile scenic route that connects Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi, managed by the National Park Service.

Double Arch Bridge

A 1,572-foot concrete arch bridge that spans Birdsong Hollow at a height of about 155 feet, completed in 1994 and considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Wendy Ross

Superintendent of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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What they’re saying

“Visitor safety is our top priority. 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.”

— Wendy Ross, Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway

What’s next

Officials have 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.

The takeaway

The closure of the iconic Double Arch Bridge on the Natchez Trace Parkway highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing historic preservation, public safety, and recreational access. While the construction project will improve the bridge's durability and visual appeal, the extended 3-year closure will significantly impact travel and tourism in the region, requiring careful planning and communication from park officials.