US Bridges

Ky 44 over Pond Creek

FairPosted for load

Bullitt County, Kentucky · 0.5 MI E of US 31W · Structure no. 015B00023N

Built
1943
82 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
235 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 44 over Pond Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ky 44 over Pond Creek 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 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 2,647 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,647 by 2043. The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 44
CrossesPond Creek
Location0.5 MI E of US 31W
RouteState Highway 44
CountyBullitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.02139, -85.91056
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.4 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length235 ft (71.6 m)
Longest span78 ft (23.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$763,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 44 over Pond Creek built?

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

What condition is Ky 44 over Pond 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Ky 44 over Pond Creek carry?

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

How long is Ky 44 over Pond Creek?

The structure is 235 ft (71.6 m) long with a longest span of 78 ft (23.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 44 over Pond Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.