NPS Photo Temporary Bridge ClosureThe Double Arch Bridge is closed on April 15, 2026 for construction. The work will last until May 2027. There is a 7.5 mile detour in place to bypass the closed section milepost (MP) 437 and MP 440. Visitors can access the north end of the parkway by driving from the Northern Terminus to Big Tree Overlook (MP 440) and back, for an in-and-out visit.Bicyclists planning long-distance day rides on the parkway should park at the Highway 96 off-ramp parking area and ride south of MP 437. For a shorter ride, park at the northernmost parking lot (MP 442) and ride to Big Tree Overlook (MP 440) and back. Detour Directions (Northbound)
Detour Directions (Southbound)
Photo NPS/Marc Muench© A Bridge to InspirationThe Double Arch Bridge at Birdsong Hollow is a work of art. Its remarkable beauty is inspirational. Painters, photographers, and digital artists have created visual portrayals of this graceful engineering sculpture. Its elegance has been recognized nationally.
Construction Methods
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration One of the most challenging engineering projects along the Trace was the construction of a bridge that spans a scenic valley and Tennessee Route 96, about 8 miles west of Franklin, Tennessee. Meeting this challenge required a design to minimize or eliminate adverse impact to the natural environment while maximizing enjoyment and safety of the traveler. The most aesthetically pleasing design called for construction of a bridge with open arches, mimicking the hilly terrain nearby. The resulting 1,648 foot-long Double Arch Bridge, offering motorists a view 155 feet above the pristine valley below, comprises one of the most important links toward the final completion of the parkway. 
U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Foundation InvestigationOne of the most challenging engineering projects along the Trace was the construction of a bridge that spans a scenic valley and Tennessee Route 96, about 8 miles west of Franklin, Tennessee. Meeting this challenge required a design to minimize or eliminate adverse impact to the natural environment while maximizing enjoyment and safety of the traveler. The most aesthetically pleasing design called for construction of a bridge with open arches, mimicking the hilly terrain nearby. The resulting 1,648 foot-long Double Arch Bridge, offering motorists a view 155 feet above the pristine valley below, comprises one of the most important links toward the final completion of the parkway. Arch DesignOne interesting feature of the bridge is the way the weight of the roadway superstructure is applied to the arch. Normally in arch bridges, the superstructure is connected to the arch by a number of evenly spaced vertical members called spandrel columns. This procedure permits the weight of the superstructure to be transmitted evenly along the length of the arch. In an effort to create a cleaner, less cluttered appearance, the Double Arch Bridge was designed without spandrel columns. The result is that the weight of the superstructure is concentrated near the crown of the arch instead of being distributed evenly along the arch length. Sophisticated computer programs were used to analyze the arches to ensure that they would react properly when the weight of the superstructure was applied. In an effort to verify the correctness of the computer analysis, strain gauges were embedded within the concrete of the arch and monitored during construction. The strain gauges measured the stresses in the arch caused by its own weight, superstructure weight, and temperature changes. The actual stress was compared to those stresses predicted by the computer model used during the design of the structure to ensure agreement. Unique Construction TechniquesThe bridge was built using a combination of concrete precast and cast-in-place segments. The precast segments, weighing a maximum of 55 tons apiece, were constructed offsite in a plant under controlled conditions. The segments were transported to the site where they were assembled together to form the arches and superstructure of the bridge. The remainder of the bridge was built by cast-in-place construction, which means that the segments were constructed in their final position. This method of construction also was used to build the piers.
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This is an older video that shows how the Double Arch Bridge was constructed. Photo GalleryFrequently Asked QuestionsLearn more about the Double Arch Bridge
The Double Arch Bridge is in Tennessee, along the Natchez Trace Parkway, just south of Nashville at Milepost 438.
The bridge is a significant historic and cultural feature of the parkway and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places even though it is not 50 years old. The bridge is considered exceptional by the engineering profession and was the nation’s first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge. The double arch structure offers travelers a view from 155 feet above the valley floor and was one of the final links in completing the Parkway’s northern district
The bridge was built using the Segmental Construction Method. Segments were attached and aligned using groups of cables and temporary towers and stays held the arches in place until the last segment was added.
The bridge is closed to pedestrian traffic during construction.
There are many beautiful places along the parkway to watch the sunset. We recommend Water Valley Overlook, Milepost 411.8; Baker Bluff, Milepost 405.1; or Swan Valley Overlook, Milepost 392.5.
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Last updated: April 15, 2026