US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51

Fair

Madison County, Mississippi · 12.65 Miles South of Ms R · Structure no. 5570135P0000000

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
212 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
12,100
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51 in Madison County, Mississippi. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 12,100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 13,310 by 2044. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesU.S. Route 51
Location12.65 Miles South of Ms R
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
Coordinates32.42633, -90.12992
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.
Substructure5 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
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.3 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.5 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,100 (2024)
Projected traffic13,310 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51 built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51 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 U.S. Route 51 carry?

About 12,100 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.5 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over U.S. Route 51?

It is owned by the National Park Service.