US Bridges

KY-541 over War Creek

FairPosted for load

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 3.0 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 52 · Structure no. 013B00057N

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
128
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-541 over War Creek is a steel culvert carrying KY-541 over War Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 128 vehicles a day, projected to reach 128 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-541
CrossesWar Creek
Location3.0 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 52
RouteState Highway 541
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.58528, -83.47528
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating27.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic128 (2023)
Projected traffic128 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-541 over War Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-541 over War 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-541 over War Creek carry?

About 128 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-541 over War Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns KY-541 over War Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.