The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) today announced a refreshed design for the replacement bridge at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park. The refreshed design was developed in response to visitor feedback on the aesthetics of the originally proposed replacement bridge.

“It became clear to us during the public engagement process that visitors wanted a replacement bridge that was not only functional for RVs and vehicular traffic and safer for pedestrians, but more aesthetically pleasing than the original design,” said Greer Tidwell, deputy commissioner for conservation at TDEC. “We are confident this refreshed design will meet and exceed visitor expectations.”

The replacement bridge will connect the campground to the main park and will be a critical addition to the park, allowing for better access to the campground for visitors and emergency response personnel. The updated bridge design is more sensitive to the park setting, including an open railing to allow views of the water for motorists, stacked stone elements, and overlooks with benches.

The project includes the new bridge over the Duck River, as well as a scenic overlook of the Duck River that will prominently feature the truss from the original Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park bridge. Construction activity is scheduled to begin on October 20, 2025.

In April 2020, the truss bridge at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park was declared unsafe for vehicular traffic. Temporary access to the campground was established via the adjacent Country Club Drive, which raised traffic concerns among local residents.

A long-term solution to the truss bridge was necessary. TDEC proposed moving forward with a plan to repurpose the truss from the old bridge, constructing an overlook with the truss prominently featured, as well as a new replacement bridge to reestablish vehicle access to the campground from the main park.

The replacement bridge will not negatively impact water quality on the Duck River. A legal challenge by the Old Stone Fort Bridge Preservation group to an aquatic water resources alteration permit (ARAP) was rejected by the Department of State Administrative Procedures Division on Aug. 21, 2025.