US Bridges

US-51 over Gaddie Creek

FairPosted for load

Carlisle County, Kentucky · .50 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 80 · Structure no. 020B00002N

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
47 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,874
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-51 over Gaddie Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-51 over Gaddie Creek in Carlisle County, Kentucky. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 1,874 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,874 by 2043. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 46 mi (74 km).

Location

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CarriesUS-51
CrossesGaddie Creek
Location.50 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 80
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyCarlisle County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.79556, -89.01333
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
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 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 rating59.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,874 (2023)
Projected traffic1,874 by 2043
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed46 mi (74 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$167,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-51 over Gaddie Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-51 over Gaddie 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US-51 over Gaddie Creek carry?

About 1,874 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is US-51 over Gaddie Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US-51 over Gaddie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.