US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek

Fair

Lewis County, Tennessee · 4.6 Miles from Tn Route 2 · Structure no. 5570287P0000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek in Lewis County, Tennessee. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 660 by 2044. The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesBig Swan Creek
Location4.6 Miles from Tn Route 2
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyLewis County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.56239, -87.43153
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length34 ft (10.3 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2024)
Projected traffic660 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$147,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

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

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.3 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.1 m).

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Big Swan Creek?

It is owned by the National Park Service.