US Bridges

US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment

Fair

Barren County, Kentucky · 1 MI N of JCT Ky 87 · Structure no. 005B00027N

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
304 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,643
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment in Barren County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1998, 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 5,643 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,643 by 2042. The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS-31E
CrossesPeter Creek Embayment
Location1 MI N of JCT Ky 87
RouteU.S. Route 31
Coordinates36.86361, -86.04333
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length304 ft (92.7 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,643 (2022)
Projected traffic5,643 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Peter Creek Embayment built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment carry?

About 5,643 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment?

The structure is 304 ft (92.7 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US-31E over Peter Creek Embayment?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.