US Bridges

US-231 over Relief Structure

FairPosted for load

Daviess County, Kentucky · .65 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 298 · Structure no. 030B00036N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,554
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-231 over Relief Structure is a concrete tee beam carrying US-231 over Relief Structure in Daviess County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 8,554 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,554 by 2042. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS-231
CrossesRelief Structure
Location.65 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 298
RouteU.S. Route 231
Coordinates37.70583, -87.06917
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.8 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,554 (2022)
Projected traffic8,554 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$462,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-231 over Relief Structure built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-231 over Relief Structure 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 2023.

How much traffic does US-231 over Relief Structure carry?

About 8,554 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-231 over Relief Structure?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US-231 over Relief Structure?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.