US Bridges

US-51 over Cane Creek

Fair

Hickman County, Kentucky · .75 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 152 · Structure no. 053B00029N

Built
1926
99 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,233
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-51 over Cane Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-51 over Cane Creek in Hickman County, Kentucky. It was built in 1926, so it is 99 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 2,233 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,233 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-51
CrossesCane Creek
Location.75 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 152
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyHickman County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.60361, -88.94278
Functional classRural 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
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,233 (2022)
Projected traffic2,233 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$227,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-51 over Cane Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-51 over Cane 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US-51 over Cane Creek carry?

About 2,233 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US-51 over Cane Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US-51 over Cane Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.