US Bridges

KY-54 over Short Creek

Fair

Grayson County, Kentucky · .05 MI East of JCT Ky 79 · Structure no. 043B00043N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,711
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-54 over Short Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-54 over Short Creek in Grayson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 6 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 1,711 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,711 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-54
CrossesShort Creek
Location.05 MI East of JCT Ky 79
RouteState Highway 54
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.52778, -86.47222
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,711 (2022)
Projected traffic1,711 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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-54 over Short Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-54 over Short 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 2021.

How much traffic does KY-54 over Short Creek carry?

About 1,711 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-54 over Short Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-54 over Short Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.