News Release

National Park Service Seeks Comments for John Coffee Memorial Bridge (Tennessee River Bridge) Replacement Project

The project to replace the is needed because this bridge, which opened in 1964, has exceeded its 50-year design life.

Courtesy of J.Glasz

News Release Date: November 20, 2024

Contact: Mandi Toy, 662-680-4017

TUPELO, Miss.— The National Park Service seeks public comment on an environmental assessment (EA) for the replacement of the John Coffee Memorial Bridge (Tennessee River Bridge) along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Located approximately 6 miles north of Cherokee, Alabama, the bridge spans the Tennessee River for almost a mile. The EA analyzes the impacts of construction of a new bridge and demolition of the old bridge.

How to Comment:
Comments can be submitted online at: NPS PEPC - Natchez Trace Pkwy - Docs Open for Comment or mailed to:

Natchez Trace Parkway
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
Attention: Superintendent

Comments will be accepted from November 20, 2024, through January 6, 2025, and mailed comments will need to be postmarked by January 6th. Comments received during the public comment period will be used to help evaluate issues and concerns to be further addressed in the environmental review process.

A public meeting will be held in Cherokee, Alabama on December 3, 2024. The meeting will be at Cherokee Senior Center, 1249 2nd Street, Cherokee, AL 35616 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

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. In addition, the EA evaluates impacts to NPS natural and cultural resources and identifies measures to lessen the degree or extent of any impacts from the proposed project.

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