Double Arch Bridge at Birdsong Hollow

An autumn view of the bridge from Birdsong Hollow.

Photo NPS/Marc Muench©

A Bridge to Inspiration

 

The 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.

Constructed in 1994, the 1,572-foot long bridge spans across Birdsong Hollow approximately 155 feet above the valley. The bridge was the first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge in the United States and in 1995, received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence for its innovative design. It is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places because of its exceptional design and construction.

Its elegance has been recognized nationally.

• 1996 Excellence in Highway Design Award - Federal Highway Administration
• 1996 Biennial Award for Engineering Excellence in Highway Design - US Department of Transportation
• 1995 Presidential Award for Design Excellence, Outstanding Achievement in Design for the Government of the United States of America
• 1995 One of the Top 125 Construction Projects of the Last 125 Years Award - Engineering News
• 1995 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement Award of Merit - American Society of Civil Engineers
• 1995 Outstanding Engineering Project Award, Tennessee Section - American Society of Civil Engineers
• 1995 Presidential Design Award - National Endowment for the Arts
• 1994 Grand Award for Engineering Excellence - Florida Institute of Consulting Engineers
• 1994 George S. Richardson Medal - Engineering Society of Western Pennsylvania
• 1994 Concrete Bridge Award, Award of Excellence - Portland Cement Concrete Association
• 1994 Grand Award - American Consulting Engineers Council

 

Award winning poster celebrating the 100th birthday of the National Park Service

Poster designed by Kelli Clayton.

Centennial Poster Contest Winner

Mississippi State University (MSU) graphic design student Kelli Clayton created the winning travel poster in a 2016 contest celebrating the 100th birthday of the National Park Service. The purpose of the contest intended to help students and visitors explore the diverse history, culture, and beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway).

 

 

Questions and Answers About the Double Arch Bridge

Where is the Double Arch Bridge located?

The Double Arch Bridge is in Tennessee, along the Natchez Trace Parkway, just south of Nashville at Milepost 438.  

What is the significance of the Double Arch Bridge?

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

How was the bridge constructed? 

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. 

What if I want to stand on the Double Arch Bridge?

The bridge is closed to pedestrian traffic during construction.

Where Can I Watch Sunset?

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.