US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch

Fair

Choctaw County, Mississippi · 2.4 MI S. of U.S. Rt 82 · Structure no. 5570564P0000000

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,075
2012 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch in Choctaw County, Mississippi. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 5 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 1,075 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,183 by 2032. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesBallard Branch
Location2.4 MI S. of U.S. Rt 82
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyChoctaw County
StateMississippi
Coordinates33.5135, -89.17728
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,075 (2012)
Projected traffic1,183 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$60,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch carry?

About 1,075 vehicles per day (2012 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Ballard Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.