US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek

Fair

Lewis County, Tennessee · 0.1 Miles from Tn Route 9 · Structure no. 5570002P0000000

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
301 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
460
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek in Lewis County, Tennessee. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 59 years old, older than the Tennessee average of 47.4 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 460 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 506 by 2044. The structure is 301 ft (91.6 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesBig Swan Creek
Location0.1 Miles from Tn Route 9
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyLewis County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.57886, -87.4335
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating91.9 US tons
Inventory rating38 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length301 ft (91.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic460 (2024)
Projected traffic506 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek 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 Big Swan Creek carry?

About 460 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek?

The structure is 301 ft (91.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.