US Bridges

KY-543 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · 2.66 MI E of JCT W/KY1243 · Structure no. 085B00027N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
138
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-543 over Sulphur Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-543 over Sulphur Creek in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 138 vehicles a day, projected to reach 138 by 2041. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-543
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location2.66 MI E of JCT W/KY1243
RouteState Highway 543
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.04972, -85.61722
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic138 (2021)
Projected traffic138 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-543 over Sulphur Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-543 over Sulphur 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does KY-543 over Sulphur Creek carry?

About 138 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-543 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-543 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.