US Bridges

KY-85 over Green River

FairPosted for load

McLean County, Kentucky · 2.1 Mi. E. Jct. US 431 · Structure no. 075B00065N

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,485 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,428
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-85 over Green River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-85 over Green River in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 1,428 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,428 by 2035. The structure is 1,485 ft (452.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-85
CrossesGreen River
Location2.1 Mi. E. Jct. US 431
RouteState Highway 85
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.45083, -87.105
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.3 US tons
Inventory rating9.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+9 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,485 ft (452.6 m)
Longest span330 ft (100.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,428 (2015)
Projected traffic1,428 by 2035
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-85 over Green River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-85 over Green River 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-85 over Green River carry?

About 1,428 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is KY-85 over Green River?

The structure is 1,485 ft (452.6 m) long with a longest span of 330 ft (100.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-85 over Green River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.