US Bridges

KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek

PoorPosted for load

Daviess County, Kentucky · .20 MI West of Ohio Cl · Structure no. 030B00015N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,287
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek in Daviess County, Kentucky. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,287 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,287 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-54
CrossesBranch of Deserter Creek
Location.20 MI West of Ohio Cl
RouteState Highway 54
CountyDaviess County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.6675, -86.84083
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.4 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,287 (2023)
Projected traffic3,287 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$115,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek carry?

About 3,287 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-54 over Branch of Deserter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.