US Bridges

US-41 over Drakes Creek

FairPosted for load

Hopkins County, Kentucky · .49 MI N of Christian Cl · Structure no. 054B00044N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
106 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,696
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-41 over Drakes Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US-41 over Drakes Creek in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,696 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,696 by 2040. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-41
CrossesDrakes Creek
Location.49 MI N of Christian Cl
RouteU.S. Route 41
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.13389, -87.47417
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: 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 rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,696 (2020)
Projected traffic1,696 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-41 over Drakes Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-41 over Drakes 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US-41 over Drakes Creek carry?

About 1,696 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-41 over Drakes Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US-41 over Drakes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.