US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · 0.3 Miles South of U.S. R · Structure no. 5570036P0000000

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access is a concrete continuous slab carrying Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,430 by 2044. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesU.S. Route 72 Access
Location0.3 Miles South of U.S. R
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.7585, -88.02031
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2024)
Projected traffic1,430 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerNational Park Service
Maintained byNational Park Service
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$48,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 72 Access?

It is owned by the National Park Service.