US Bridges

KY-81 over Panther Creek

FairPosted for load

Daviess County, Kentucky · 1.8 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 554 · Structure no. 030B00055N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
246 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,554
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-81 over Panther Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-81 over Panther Creek in Daviess County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 3,554 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,554 by 2043. The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-81
CrossesPanther Creek
Location1.8 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 554
RouteState Highway 81
CountyDaviess County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.69, -87.19111
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 rating37.7 US tons
Inventory rating22.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length246 ft (75 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,554 (2023)
Projected traffic3,554 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$922,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-81 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-81 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does KY-81 over Panther Creek carry?

About 3,554 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is KY-81 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 246 ft (75 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-81 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.