US Bridges

KY-70 over Mud River

FairPosted for load

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · On Butler - Muhlenberg Cl · Structure no. 089B00027N

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
270 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,161
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Mud River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-70 over Mud River in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,161 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,161 by 2043. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-70
CrossesMud River
LocationOn Butler - Muhlenberg Cl
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.21056, -86.90028
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,161 (2023)
Projected traffic1,161 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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-70 over Mud River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over Mud 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Mud River carry?

About 1,161 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Mud River?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Mud River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.