US Bridges

US-231 over Panther Creek

Fair

Daviess County, Kentucky · .20 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 298 · Structure no. 030B00038N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,700
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-231 over Panther Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-231 over Panther Creek 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.

It carries about 6,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,700 by 2038. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-231
CrossesPanther Creek
Location.20 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 298
RouteU.S. Route 231
CountyDaviess County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.70139, -87.06472
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 statusOpen, no 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 rating60.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,700 (2018)
Projected traffic6,700 by 2038
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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$556,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-231 over Panther Creek built?

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

What condition is US-231 over Panther 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 2023.

How much traffic does US-231 over Panther Creek carry?

About 6,700 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-231 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US-231 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.