US Bridges

US-431 over Rocky Creek

FairPosted for load

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .70 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 949 · Structure no. 089B00017N

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
227 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,611
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-431 over Rocky Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-431 over Rocky Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 2,611 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,611 by 2039. The structure is 227 ft (69.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-431
CrossesRocky Creek
Location.70 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 949
RouteU.S. Route 431
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.1175, -87.00389
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.8 US tons
Inventory rating40.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length227 ft (69.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,611 (2019)
Projected traffic2,611 by 2039
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 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$595,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-431 over Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-431 over Rocky 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US-431 over Rocky Creek carry?

About 2,611 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-431 over Rocky Creek?

The structure is 227 ft (69.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns US-431 over Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.