US Bridges

KY-81 over Long Falls Creek

Fair

McLean County, Kentucky · .80 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 140 · Structure no. 075B00002N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,105
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-81 over Long Falls Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-81 over Long Falls Creek in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 4,105 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,105 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesKY-81
CrossesLong Falls Creek
Location.80 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 140
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,105 (2021)
Projected traffic4,105 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$165,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-81 over Long Falls Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-81 over Long Falls 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-81 over Long Falls Creek carry?

About 4,105 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-81 over Long Falls Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-81 over Long Falls Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.