US Bridges

KY-281 over Otter Creek

Fair

Hopkins County, Kentucky · 2.95 MI S of JCT Ky 138 · Structure no. 054B00024N

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
90
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-281 over Otter Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-281 over Otter Creek in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 90 vehicles a day, projected to reach 90 by 2043. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-281
CrossesOtter Creek
Location2.95 MI S of JCT Ky 138
RouteState Highway 281
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.48667, -87.37972
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90 (2023)
Projected traffic90 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 KY-281 over Otter Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-281 over Otter 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 KY-281 over Otter Creek carry?

About 90 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-281 over Otter Creek?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-281 over Otter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.