Natchez Trace Double Arch Bridge to Shut Down Through 2027

Issue #707

April 15, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Partly/Mostly cloudy w/ high of 81, low of 58

📰 Natchez Trace Double Arch Bridge to Shut Down Through 2027

📰 Columbia Establishes 24-Hour Monitored Safe Exchange Area Downtown

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Natchez Trace Double Arch Bridge to Shut Down Through 2027

A portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway will close beginning April 15 as crews begin installing permanent pedestrian safety barriers on the Double Arch Bridge.

The National Park Service announced that the stretch between milepost 437 and milepost 440 will remain closed through May 2027. Drivers will follow a 7.5-mile detour around the work zone, with signs posted to guide traffic. The northern end of the parkway will still be accessible by traveling from the Northern Terminus to Big Tree Overlook at milepost 440 and returning along the same route.

The barrier project is designed to enhance safety on the 155-foot-tall bridge, which has seen dozens of suicide deaths over the years. A 2019 investigation documented 32 fatalities at the bridge between 2000 and 2019, drawing renewed attention to the need for preventative measures.

The effort has been years in the making. After advocacy from grieving families and the formation of the Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition, state lawmakers passed a resolution declaring the bridge a public health concern and urging federal officials to fund permanent barriers. Former State Rep. Sam Whitson helped lead that legislative push, which received unanimous support.

Park officials say the new barriers are intended to prevent tragedies while maintaining the bridge’s distinctive scenic design. Clear signage and marked detours will remain in place throughout construction.

Cyclists are also being advised to adjust their routes. Long-distance riders can park at the Highway 96 off-ramp and travel south of milepost 437, while shorter rides can begin at milepost 442 and head toward Big Tree Overlook before turning back.

The Double Arch Bridge, now more than three decades old, remains one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Columbia Establishes 24-Hour Monitored Safe Exchange Area Downtown

The City of Columbia has established a Safety Exchange Zone to provide residents with a secure, well-lit location to complete person-to-person transactions. The purpose of this zone is to help deter fraudulent activity and promote safer interactions when meeting individuals to exchange goods purchased online or through private sales. This zone can also be utilized for custody exchanges. 

Located in a visible public area and monitored by 24-hour video surveillance, the Safety Exchange Zone offers an added layer of awareness and peace of mind for community members. While the presence of cameras and public visibility can help discourage criminal behavior, users should still take appropriate precautions when meeting others.   

** Video surveillance is only stored for a maximum of 30 days, but it could be fewer. 

Important Notice: This zone is intended to help deter fraudulent transactions and support the safety and privacy of residents. However, the use of the Safety Exchange Zone is voluntary. 

The City of Columbia does not verify or guarantee the legitimacy of any transaction or participant. The City is not involved in, nor does it oversee, any exchange conducted at this location.

The City of Columbia assumes no responsibility or liability for any transactions, interactions, or outcomes that occur within the Safety Exchange Zone. 

Location: The location of the Safety Exchange Zone is the parking lot in between City Hall and the Columbia Police Department off of West 6th Street. There is a Safety Exchange Zone sign to help identify the exact location.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

🤣 Check out the Nashville Comedy Fest (through April 19th) 🤣

Thursday, April 16th

Friday, April 17th

Saturday, April 18th

Sunday, April 19th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music


Thursday, April 16 

Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6–9 PM 
Emily Otteson - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, April 17 

Lydia Rae - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM 
Open Mic - Grinder's Switch, 6–9 PM 
Tom & Robert - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Hannah Geiser - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM 
Troy Kemp - Puckett's, 7:30–9 PM 
Six Stringer Revolver - The Boondox, 8:00 PM
Covered Wagon - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, April 18 

The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Michael Edser & The Grayson Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 3 PM 
Carson Phillips - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM 
Music on the Porch Series - 106 Pleasant St, Mt Pleasant, 6–9 PM 
Shannon & The Harpeth River Boys - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM 
Writers Round curated by Michael Farren - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM 
Walker County - Puckett's, 7:30–9 PM 
Boomerang - The Boondox, 8 PM 
Benji & The Jets - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM 
Bad Dog - Gary's Place, 8 PM–12 AM

Sunday, April 19 

The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Todd Ciprian - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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