US Bridges

US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek

FairPosted for load

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 250 Ft N of Lexington RD · Structure no. 056B00137N

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Arch - Deck
Masonry
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,883
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek is a masonry arch - deck carrying US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 99 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 6,883 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,883 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31E
CrossesS Fork Beargrass Creek
Location250 Ft N of Lexington RD
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.24917, -85.73111
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
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,883 (2023)
Projected traffic6,883 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$382,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is US 31E over S Fork Beargrass 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek carry?

About 6,883 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 31E over S Fork Beargrass Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.