US Bridges

US-42 over Ellis Creek

FairPosted for load

Carroll County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI NE of Trimble C.L. · Structure no. 021B00023N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,189
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-42 over Ellis Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-42 over Ellis Creek in Carroll County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,189 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,189 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesUS-42
CrossesEllis Creek
Location1.2 MI NE of Trimble C.L.
RouteU.S. Route 42
Coordinates38.64667, -85.22889
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,189 (2023)
Projected traffic1,189 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 US-42 over Ellis Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-42 over Ellis 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US-42 over Ellis Creek carry?

About 1,189 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US-42 over Ellis Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US-42 over Ellis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.