US Bridges

KY-1281 over Willis Creek

Fair

Clinton County, Kentucky · 1.8MI Se-Cumberland Co.Ln · Structure no. 027B00018N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
76 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
65
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1281 over Willis Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-1281 over Willis Creek in Clinton County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 65 vehicles a day, projected to reach 65 by 2041. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-1281
CrossesWillis Creek
Location1.8MI Se-Cumberland Co.Ln
RouteState Highway 1281
CountyClinton County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.80083, -85.20694
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic65 (2021)
Projected traffic65 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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-1281 over Willis Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-1281 over Willis 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does KY-1281 over Willis Creek carry?

About 65 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-1281 over Willis Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-1281 over Willis Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.