US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · 3.8 Miles North of Ms Rou · Structure no. 5570257P0000000

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
297 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
620
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger 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 620 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 682 by 2044. The structure is 297 ft (90.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesRock Creek
Location3.8 Miles North of Ms Rou
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.65803, -88.09415
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating13 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length297 ft (90.4 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic620 (2024)
Projected traffic682 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedOther structural work, including hydraulic replacements
Estimated improvement cost$600,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek carry?

About 620 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek?

The structure is 297 ft (90.4 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.