US Bridges

Ky 44 over Cow Branch

FairPosted for load

Bullitt County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI W of Ky 1526 · Structure no. 015B00022N

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 44 over Cow Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Ky 44 over Cow Branch in Bullitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,647 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,647 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 44
CrossesCow Branch
Location1.2 MI W of Ky 1526
RouteState Highway 44
CountyBullitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.01361, -85.88306
Functional classRural Major 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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,647 (2023)
Projected traffic2,647 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 44 over Cow Branch built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 44 over Cow 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ky 44 over Cow Branch carry?

About 2,647 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ky 44 over Cow Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 44 over Cow Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.