US Bridges

US 42 over Harrods Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 0.65 MI E of Ky 841 · Structure no. 056B00004N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
310 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
27,293
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 42 over Harrods Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 42 over Harrods Creek in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 27,293 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,293 by 2043. The structure is 310 ft (94.5 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesUS 42
CrossesHarrods Creek
Location0.65 MI E of Ky 841
RouteU.S. Route 42
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length310 ft (94.5 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.1 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,293 (2023)
Projected traffic27,293 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 42 over Harrods Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 42 over Harrods 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 42 over Harrods Creek carry?

About 27,293 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 42 over Harrods Creek?

The structure is 310 ft (94.5 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns US 42 over Harrods Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.