US Bridges

US-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek

Fair

Hart County, Kentucky · .7 MI S of S-Jct Ky 728 · Structure no. 050B00001N

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,262
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek in Hart County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 2,262 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,262 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 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
CrossesBranch of Bacon Creek
Location.7 MI S of S-Jct Ky 728
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyHart County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.36833, -85.90444
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.6 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,262 (2023)
Projected traffic2,262 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-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31W over Branch of Bacon 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek carry?

About 2,262 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US-31W over Branch of Bacon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.