US Bridges

Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater Branch

Fair

Wayne County, Tennessee · 13.0 Miles from Tn Route · Structure no. 5570285P0000000

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
960
2024 count
Owner
Federal
National Park Service

About this bridge

Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater Branch in Wayne 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 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 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,056 by 2044. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNatchez Trace Park
CrossesSweetwater Branch
Location13.0 Miles from Tn Route
RouteFederal Lands Road 1
CountyWayne County
StateTennessee
Coordinates35.24811, -87.63853
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating88 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic960 (2024)
Projected traffic1,056 by 2044
Trucks5%
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$140,000 (2021 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater Branch built?

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

What condition is Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater 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 February 2025.

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

About 960 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Natchez Trace Park over Sweetwater Branch?

It is owned by the National Park Service.