US Bridges

US-31W over Green River

Fair

Hart County, Kentucky · .5 MI SE of JCT Ky 357 · Structure no. 050B00004N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Truss - Deck
Steel
Length
1,468 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
8,755
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31W over Green River is a steel truss - deck carrying US-31W over Green River in Hart County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 8,755 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,755 by 2043. The structure is 1,468 ft (447.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31W
CrossesGreen River
Location.5 MI SE of JCT Ky 357
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyHart County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.26861, -85.88528
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Deck
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length1,468 ft (447.4 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,755 (2023)
Projected traffic8,755 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$6.9 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-31W over Green River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31W over Green River 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US-31W over Green River carry?

About 8,755 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US-31W over Green River?

The structure is 1,468 ft (447.4 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns US-31W over Green River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.