US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road

Fair

Lee County, Mississippi · 1.4 Miles South of Chiwap · Structure no. 5570418P0000000

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Frame
Concrete Continuous
Length
127 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road is a concrete continuous frame carrying Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road in Lee County, Mississippi. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,960 by 2044. The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesPontocola Road
Location1.4 Miles South of Chiwap
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyLee County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.1455, -88.82189
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeFrame
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length127 ft (38.7 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2024)
Projected traffic3,960 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$45,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road 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 Pontocola Road carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road?

The structure is 127 ft (38.7 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Pontocola Road?

It is owned by the National Park Service.