US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River

Poor

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 7.09 Miles North of U.S. · Structure no. 5570028P0000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
4,955 ft
38 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,210 by 2044. The structure is 4,955 ft (1,510.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

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CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesTennessee River
Location7.09 Miles North of U.S.
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.83686, -87.94094
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans38 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length4,955 ft (1,510.3 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2024)
Projected traffic1,210 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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$368,000 (2017 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River?

The structure is 4,955 ft (1,510.3 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Tennessee River?

It is owned by the National Park Service.