US Bridges

I-69 over Ward Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, Kentucky · 2.5 MI East of Ky 293 Op · Structure no. 017B00031N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,063
2017 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-69 over Ward Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-69 over Ward Creek in Caldwell 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 11,063 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,718 by 2037. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 241 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesI-69
CrossesWard Creek
Location2.5 MI East of Ky 293 Op
RouteInterstate 69
CountyCaldwell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.14083, -87.82306
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating99 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width241 ft (73.4 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,063 (2017)
Projected traffic13,718 by 2037
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-69 over Ward Creek built?

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

What condition is I-69 over Ward 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does I-69 over Ward Creek carry?

About 11,063 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is I-69 over Ward Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 241 ft wide.

Who owns I-69 over Ward Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.