US Bridges

KY-321X over Paint Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Kentucky · 0.15 MI N of JCT Ky 321 · Structure no. 058B00047N

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
295 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,693
2014 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-321X over Paint Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-321X over Paint Creek in Johnson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 4,693 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,693 by 2034. The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-321X
CrossesPaint Creek
Location0.15 MI N of JCT Ky 321
RouteState Highway 321
CountyJohnson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.81306, -82.80583
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating95.6 US tons
Inventory rating57.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length295 ft (89.9 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,693 (2014)
Projected traffic4,693 by 2034
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-321X over Paint Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-321X over Paint 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does KY-321X over Paint Creek carry?

About 4,693 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-321X over Paint Creek?

The structure is 295 ft (89.9 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-321X over Paint Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.