US Bridges

KY-56 over Panther Creek

Good

Daviess County, Kentucky · .70 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 456 · Structure no. 030B00067N

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
336 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,594
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-56 over Panther Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-56 over Panther Creek in Daviess County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,594 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,594 by 2042. The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-56
CrossesPanther Creek
Location.70 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 456
RouteState Highway 56
CountyDaviess County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.7275, -87.28167
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length336 ft (102.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,594 (2022)
Projected traffic2,594 by 2042
Trucks12%
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 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-56 over Panther Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-56 over Panther Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does KY-56 over Panther Creek carry?

About 2,594 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-56 over Panther Creek?

The structure is 336 ft (102.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-56 over Panther Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.