US Bridges

KY-85 over Earle Creek

Fair

Hopkins County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI East of JCT US 70 · Structure no. 054B00030N

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,339
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-85 over Earle Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-85 over Earle Creek in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 1,339 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,339 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-85
CrossesEarle Creek
Location2.0 MI East of JCT US 70
RouteState Highway 85
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.35528, -87.39139
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 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
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 length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,339 (2020)
Projected traffic1,339 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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-85 over Earle Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-85 over Earle 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-85 over Earle Creek carry?

About 1,339 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-85 over Earle Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-85 over Earle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.