NPS Photo/Bob Boisseau Double Arch Bridge at Milepost 438.
TUPELO – The National Park Service (NPS) seeks the public’s input on an environmental assessment (EA) to install a permanent safety barrier to deter suicide at the Double Arch bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County, Tennessee.
The comment period will be open from May 16 to June 17, 2022. The EA was prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, and the public is encouraged to review the EA and provide comments on the proposed action, alternatives, and impact analysis.
“We are asking community members and park visitors to provide feedback on the barrier project, which includes designs that not only match the aesthetics of the bridge, but also have a lasting impact on public health and visitor safety,” said Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Douglas Neighbor.
Comment Online (the preferred method) at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/DoubleArch
Comment by Postal Mail:
Superintendent
Natchez Trace Parkway
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
Written comments on the Double Arch bridge permanent pedestrian safety barrier EA must be submitted online or postmarked by June 17, 2022, to be considered. Later this year, the NPS will begin work on temporary fencing that will remain in place until a permanent barrier is constructed.
If you know someone in crisis call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).
About the Double Arch Bridge
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.
Media Release/ Mandi Toy/Natchez Trace Parkway
7 comments
Living near this structure has been both a privilege and a curse. While it is an engineering marvel it has also resulted in many needless suicides, many more than are reported by the park service or local municipalities. The guardrail design has been inadequate from the beginning and puts all visitors on the bridge at risk from falling, whether intentionally or unintentionally. i have spoken to bicyclists who are wary of riding close to the edge of the bridge, as a sudden wind gust can blow them off course and over the low railing. I have witnessed many families and small children get so close the the railing that I fear someone turning their back, for even a second, could result in a terrible and unnecessary tragedy. Building codes require a minimum, railing height restriction, and public buildings and structures should be held to the same standard.
You have an obligation and a responsibility to ensure the bridge is safe for all pedestrians who use it and I encourage you to find a solution before there are any more deaths from the bridge.
Rather than millions spent on a barrier, I rather see the money spent on suicide prevention efforts helping those in need with easy access to counseling promote suicide prevention numbers. There’s always going to be a place to find in the Nashville area of heights! Mental health initiatives are so lacking and need money desperately!
Both my daughters have gone to the bridge with the intention of jumping off it. My one daughter is dead. The other has been there about 15 times.
When I was in elementary school I crossed a bridge to get to school it was enclosed with a chain like fencing that rounded at the top and down both sides
I think with all the modern different strong and clear man made materials, there should be a way with innovative artistic and engineering ideas to keep and even add to the beautiful unique bridge while keeping the fantastic views AND providing more safety for disturbed individuals. Just one idea could be instead of a wall, have some kind of asthetically pleasing and safety meeting form of fencing along the lower edge of the bridge that curls up at the outer edge, so if someone jumps or even accidentally falls, they are caught and it would be very hard to continue to climb up & over the outer edge of the fencing to continue their drop. Nothing is perfect, but this is just one compromise idea.
I do not agree with the installation of the safety bars as anyone seeking to commit suicide will just find another way to do it. We cannot prevent something that a suicidal person intends to do just by building safety bars.
I don’t believe that a barrier is necessary for the bridge. Individuals will find a way to end their lives even with a barrier. Just a waste of tax dollars. Use the money instead for metal health services.