US Bridges

US 31E over Fern Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 0.50 MI S of Watterson TR · Structure no. 056B00025N

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,115
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31E over Fern Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 31E over Fern Creek in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 25,115 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,115 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 129 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31E
CrossesFern Creek
Location0.50 MI S of Watterson TR
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.17528, -85.61556
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
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 inspectionFebruary 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width129 ft (39.3 m)
Roadway width73 ft (22.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,115 (2023)
Projected traffic25,115 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 31E over Fern Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31E over Fern 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 31E over Fern Creek carry?

About 25,115 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 31E over Fern Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 129 ft wide.

Who owns US 31E over Fern Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.