US Bridges

US-45 over Bayou De Chien

Fair

Graves County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 128 · Structure no. 042B00091N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,380
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-45 over Bayou De Chien is a concrete tee beam carrying US-45 over Bayou De Chien in Graves 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 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 1,380 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,380 by 2043. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-45
CrossesBayou De Chien
Location1.0 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 128
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.58083, -88.80306
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,380 (2023)
Projected traffic1,380 by 2043
Trucks9%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$519,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-45 over Bayou De Chien built?

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

What condition is US-45 over Bayou De Chien 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 US-45 over Bayou De Chien carry?

About 1,380 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US-45 over Bayou De Chien?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns US-45 over Bayou De Chien?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.