"Our journey along the Natchez Trace Parkway is nearing a close as we get closer to Nashville, Tennessee. Today we are crossing Tennessee Highway 96 where we will see evidence that the story of the Natchez Trace isn't over. Today we look at the Parkway bridge across Tennessee Highway 96.

"This modern bridge across highway 96 was opened to the public June 22, 1996. It is the first segmentally constructed arch bridge in the United States -- a double arch bridge. One arch spans the length of nearly 2 football fields (582'). The entire bridge is 1648 feet long and carries the parkway 155 feet above highway 96.

"The bridge's 3 concrete piers were cast where they stand, but the arches and the super structure were cast off site in a plant under controlled conditions. Some of these segments weigh as much as 55 tons and were hauled to the site and lifted into position by a ground mounted crane. In all there are about 122 arch segments and 196 superstructure segments.

"This new approach to bridge building was designed using computer models, and tests were made throughout construction to check and refine engineering and design techniques.

"Join us next time when we will drive the last 5 miles up the Natchez Trace to its NORTHERN TERMINUS. For Natchez Trace a road through the wilderness, I'm Frank Thomas."

For more about Natchez Trace: A Road Through the Wilderness, visit eddieandfrank.com