US Bridges

US-31W over Valley Creek

Fair

Hardin County, Kentucky · .10 MI East of Courthouse · Structure no. 047B00100N

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,890
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31W over Valley Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-31W over Valley Creek in Hardin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 13,890 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,890 by 2042. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 52 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31W
CrossesValley Creek
Location.10 MI East of Courthouse
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyHardin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.69194, -85.85639
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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 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 rating65.6 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,890 (2022)
Projected traffic13,890 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure3
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$537,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31W over Valley Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31W over Valley 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 Valley Creek carry?

About 13,890 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US-31W over Valley Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US-31W over Valley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.