US Bridges

US-31E over Barren River Lake

Fair

Allen County, Kentucky · On Barren - Allen Cl · Structure no. 002B00007N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
513 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,516
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31E over Barren River Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31E over Barren River Lake in Allen County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 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 5,516 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,516 by 2043. The structure is 513 ft (156.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31E
CrossesBarren River Lake
LocationOn Barren - Allen Cl
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyAllen County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.84389, -86.07167
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length513 ft (156.4 m)
Longest span165 ft (50.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,516 (2023)
Projected traffic5,516 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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 US-31E over Barren River Lake built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31E over Barren River Lake 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US-31E over Barren River Lake carry?

About 5,516 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US-31E over Barren River Lake?

The structure is 513 ft (156.4 m) long with a longest span of 165 ft (50.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US-31E over Barren River Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.