US Bridges

KY-61 over Cumberland River

FairPosted for load

Cumberland County, Kentucky · 2.8 MI So. JCT W/Ky 90 · Structure no. 029B00012N

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
694 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,904
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-61 over Cumberland River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-61 over Cumberland River in Cumberland County, Kentucky. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 2,904 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,904 by 2043. The structure is 694 ft (211.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-61
CrossesCumberland River
Location2.8 MI So. JCT W/Ky 90
RouteState Highway 61
CountyCumberland County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.74639, -85.37194
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating27 US tons
Inventory rating16.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length694 ft (211.5 m)
Longest span250 ft (76.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,904 (2023)
Projected traffic2,904 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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-61 over Cumberland River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-61 over Cumberland River 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 KY-61 over Cumberland River carry?

About 2,904 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-61 over Cumberland River?

The structure is 694 ft (211.5 m) long with a longest span of 250 ft (76.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-61 over Cumberland River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.