US Bridges

KY-281 over Branch of Elk Creek

Fair

Hopkins County, Kentucky · .2 Mile North of Ky 862 · Structure no. 054B00203N

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
35 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
370
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-281 over Branch of Elk Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-281 over Branch of Elk Creek in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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.

It carries about 370 vehicles a day, projected to reach 370 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 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
CrossesBranch of Elk Creek
Location.2 Mile North of Ky 862
RouteState Highway 281
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.39222, -87.45861
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic370 (2023)
Projected traffic370 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 Branch of Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

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

About 370 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-281 over Branch of Elk Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-281 over Branch of Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.