US Bridges

US-45 over Opossum Creek

FairPosted for load

Graves County, Kentucky · .80 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 174 · Structure no. 042B00094N

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
87 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,475
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-45 over Opossum Creek is a concrete slab carrying US-45 over Opossum Creek in Graves County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 5,475 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,475 by 2043. The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-45
CrossesOpossum Creek
Location.80 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 174
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.69861, -88.70306
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating27.7 US tons
Inventory rating16.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length87 ft (26.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,475 (2023)
Projected traffic5,475 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-45 over Opossum Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-45 over Opossum 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US-45 over Opossum Creek carry?

About 5,475 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-45 over Opossum Creek?

The structure is 87 ft (26.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US-45 over Opossum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.