US Bridges

US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek

Good

Hickman County, Kentucky · .7 Mi.Sou.Of JCT Ky 780 · Structure no. 053B00085N

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,314
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek in Hickman County, Kentucky. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,314 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,314 by 2041. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

CarriesUS-51
CrossesBayou De Chien Creek
Location.7 Mi.Sou.Of JCT Ky 780
RouteU.S. Route 51
Coordinates36.62861, -88.96444
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.1 US tons
Inventory rating57.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,314 (2021)
Projected traffic2,314 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek carry?

About 2,314 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US-51 over Bayou De Chien Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.