US Bridges

KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal

Fair

McLean County, Kentucky · .2 MI N JCT Ky 138 · Structure no. 075B00076N

Built
1999
26 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
1,138 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,053
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1999, so it is 26 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 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 4,053 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,053 by 2039. The structure is 1,138 ft (346.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-81
CrossesKY256 Green River Canal
Location.2 MI N JCT Ky 138
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.53389, -87.26083
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length1,138 ft (346.9 m)
Longest span492 ft (150 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.7 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,053 (2019)
Projected traffic4,053 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal built?

It was built in 1999, making it 26 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal carry?

About 4,053 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal?

The structure is 1,138 ft (346.9 m) long with a longest span of 492 ft (150 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns KY-81 over KY256 Green River Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.