US Bridges

US-45 over Zion Branch

Fair

Hickman County, Kentucky · On Graves - Hickman Cl · Structure no. 053B00024N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,457
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-45 over Zion Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US-45 over Zion Branch in Hickman County, Kentucky. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 1,457 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,457 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-45
CrossesZion Branch
LocationOn Graves - Hickman Cl
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyHickman County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.56, -88.81694
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,457 (2022)
Projected traffic1,457 by 2042
Trucks0%
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-45 over Zion Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-45 over Zion Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US-45 over Zion Branch carry?

About 1,457 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is US-45 over Zion Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US-45 over Zion Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.