US Bridges

KY-281 over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Hopkins County, Kentucky · N @ JCT CR 5101 · Structure no. 054B00202N

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,354
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-281 over Elk Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-281 over Elk Creek in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,354 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,354 by 2039. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-281
CrossesElk Creek
LocationN @ JCT CR 5101
RouteState Highway 281
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.36722, -87.47056
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,354 (2019)
Projected traffic4,354 by 2039
Trucks8%
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 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 KY-281 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

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

About 4,354 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-281 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-281 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.