US Bridges

KY-531 over Sulphur Creek

GoodPosted for load

Adair County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 206 · Structure no. 001B00033N

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
207
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-531 over Sulphur Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-531 over Sulphur Creek in Adair County, Kentucky. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 207 vehicles a day, projected to reach 207 by 2041. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-531
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location2.0 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 206
RouteState Highway 531
CountyAdair County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.11833, -85.19472
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic207 (2021)
Projected traffic207 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-531 over Sulphur Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-531 over Sulphur Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-531 over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 207 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-531 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-531 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.