US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo

Fair

Tishomingo County, Mississippi · 1.7 Miles North of Ms Rou · Structure no. 5570038P0000000

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
760 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo in Tishomingo County, Mississippi. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2044. The structure is 760 ft (231.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesBear Creek & Tishomingo
Location1.7 Miles North of Ms Rou
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyTishomingo County
StateMississippi
Coordinates34.61139, -88.19203
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating45 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length760 ft (231.8 m)
Longest span177 ft (54 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2024)
Projected traffic550 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$323,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo 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 Bear Creek & Tishomingo carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo?

The structure is 760 ft (231.8 m) long with a longest span of 177 ft (54 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Bear Creek & Tishomingo?

It is owned by the National Park Service.