Suicide Deterrent Strategy for the Natchez Trace Parkway's Double Arch Bridge over Highway 96 in Tennessee

Natchez Trace Parkway » Suicide Deterrent Strategy for the Natchez Trace Parkway's Double Arch Bridge over Highway 96 in Tennessee » Document List

The National Park Service (NPS), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), proposes to implement a suicide deterrent system for the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) Double Arch Bridge located at milepost 438 in Williamson County, TN. The purpose of the project is to reduce injuries and fatalities while maintaining the bridge's structural integrity, conserving the bridge's engineering significance, and preserving the public's scenic enjoyment of the Parkway. The Environmental Assessment (EA) examines the potential environmental consequences of a no action alternative and three action alternatives. Each action alternative has been developed and analyzed by engineers to be safe and acceptable solutions based on additional loading and transportation safety requirements on the current bridge.

The EA has been prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to provide a decision-making framework that analyzes alternatives to meet the project's purpose and need and evaluate impacts to park resources. The EA will open for a 30-day public comment period from May 16 to June 17, 2022 and comments must be received by the end of the review period. The public is encouraged to review the EA and provide comments on the proposed action, alternatives, and impact analysis.

Before including your address, phone number, e‐mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that under provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, your entire comment - including your personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

For more information on the history of the Double Arch Bridge and additional photos visit: https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/double-arch-bridge-safety-innovations.htm

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).

Contact Information

Doug Neighbor, Superintendent, 1-800-305-7417