US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Wright Branch

Fair

Prentiss County, Mississippi · 7.45 Miles North of Ms Ro · Structure no. 5570293P0000000

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
980
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Wright Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Natchez Trace Park over Wright Branch in Prentiss County, Mississippi. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 980 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,078 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesWright Branch
Location7.45 Miles North of Ms Ro
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyPrentiss County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.49225, -88.37997
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating85 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic980 (2024)
Projected traffic1,078 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$135,000 (2018 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Wright Branch built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Wright 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 2023.

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

About 980 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Wright Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Wright Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.