US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River

Fair

Lewis County, Tennessee · 2.3 Miles to Tn Route 20 · Structure no. 5570005P0000000

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
804 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
960
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River in Lewis County, Tennessee. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 65 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 960 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,056 by 2044. The structure is 804 ft (245.2 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

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CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesBuffalo River
Location2.3 Miles to Tn Route 20
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyLewis County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.47167, -87.46889
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length804 ft (245.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.5 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.2 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic960 (2024)
Projected traffic1,056 by 2044
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 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$68,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River 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 Buffalo River carry?

About 960 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River?

The structure is 804 ft (245.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.5 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Buffalo River?

It is owned by the National Park Service.