US-31W over Cox Creek

FairPosted for load

Hardin County, Kentucky · 150' South of Ky 1517 · Structure no. 047B00032N

Built: 1943; 82 years old
Condition: Fair; inspected November 2024
Type: Culvert; Concrete
Length: 29 ft; 2 main spans
Daily traffic: 2,594; 2021 count
Owner: State; State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31W over Cox Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-31W over Cox Creek in Hardin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1943, so it is 82 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 2,594 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,594 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesUS-31W

CrossesCox Creek

Location150' South of Ky 1517

RouteU.S. Route 31

CountyHardin County

StateKentucky

Coordinates37.54056, -85.87639

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.

Component	Rating	Meaning
Channel and channel protection	6 Satisfactory	Structural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert	5 Fair	All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.

Last inspectionNovember 2024

Inspection intervalevery 24 months

Operating statusPosted for load restriction

ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations

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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria

Operating rating39.1 US tons

Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert

MaterialConcrete

DeckNot applicable

Main spans2

Design loadH 15

Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)

Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)

Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)

Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)

Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,594 (2021)

Projected traffic2,594 by 2041

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-31W over Cox Creek built?

It was built in 1943, making it 82 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31W over Cox 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US-31W over Cox Creek carry?

About 2,594 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-31W over Cox Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US-31W over Cox Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.