US Bridges

US-51 over Town Branch

Fair

Hickman County, Kentucky · .15 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 58 · Structure no. 053B00075N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,209
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-51 over Town Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US-51 over Town 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 6 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 4,209 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,209 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-51
CrossesTown Branch
Location.15 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 58
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyHickman County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.66972, -88.99361
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width56 ft (17.1 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,209 (2023)
Projected traffic4,209 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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-51 over Town Branch built?

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

What condition is US-51 over Town 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 February 2022.

How much traffic does US-51 over Town Branch carry?

About 4,209 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is US-51 over Town Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns US-51 over Town Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.