US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Poplar Creek

Fair

Choctaw County, Mississippi · 14.5 Miles South of Ms Ro · Structure no. 5570109P0000000

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Frame
Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
533
2022 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Poplar Creek is a concrete frame carrying Natchez Trace Park over Poplar Creek in Choctaw County, Mississippi. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 years old, older than the Mississippi average of 38.9 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 533 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 640 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesPoplar Creek
Location14.5 Miles South of Ms Ro
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
Coordinates33.29406, -89.40283
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic533 (2022)
Projected traffic640 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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$120,000 (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Poplar Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Poplar 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 February 2025.

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

About 533 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Poplar Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Poplar Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.