US Bridges

KY-54 over Short Creek

FairPosted for load

Grayson County, Kentucky · 3 MI W of JCT Ky 79 · Structure no. 043B00044N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
657
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-54 over Short Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-54 over Short Creek in Grayson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 657 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 657 by 2041. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-54
CrossesShort Creek
Location3 MI W of JCT Ky 79
RouteState Highway 54
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.52444, -86.52444
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic657 (2021)
Projected traffic657 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 1947, making it 78 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 2022.

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

About 657 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-54 over Short Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-54 over Short Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.