The National Park Service will erect a chain link fence topped with barbed wire along the Double Arch Bridge, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway — in an effort to save lives.

The fence will serve as a temporary safety barrier before a permanent barrier is installed at a later date, according to a press release.

"So much had to be taken into consideration just for the temporary barrier, much less the permanent," said Trish Merelo, cofounder of Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition.

"To finally get here, this is a big deal."

Forty two people have died by suicide since the bridge was built in 1994, according to the Natchez Trace Bridge Barrier Coalition.

Natchez Trace Bridge: They lost loved ones to suicide on the Natchez Trace Bridge. They say better barriers could prevent more tragedies.

Advocates for years have pushed for safety improvements to the 155-foot bridge, saying the railing is too low to prevent people from jumping.  The bridge runs through the Natchez Trace national parkway and is a national landmark due to its innovative design.

Now that a barrier is going up at the bridge, Merelo said she is overjoyed.

"If there's something that can be done to stop another family from having to endure this, then you've got to do it," Merelo said. "It's so important to restrict access to lethal means."

The bridge will be closed to the public during construction. The National Parks Service said drivers and cyclists should expect one-lane closures and 10-15 minute delays during construction.

Cole Villena covers Williamson County at The Tennessean, part of the USA Today Network — Tennessee. Reach Cole at cvillena@tennessean.com or 615-925-0493. Follow Cole on Twitter at @ColeVillena and on Instagram at @CVinTennessee.