US Bridges

KY-81 over Unname Stream

FairPosted for load

McLean County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 85 · Structure no. 075B00027N

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,530
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-81 over Unname Stream is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-81 over Unname Stream in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,530 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,530 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-81
CrossesUnname Stream
Location1.0 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 85
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.45028, -87.23778
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,530 (2023)
Projected traffic1,530 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$124,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-81 over Unname Stream built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-81 over Unname Stream 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 Unname Stream carry?

About 1,530 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-81 over Unname Stream?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-81 over Unname Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.