US Bridges

KY-181 over Carter Creek

FairPosted for load

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · 1.8 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 890 · Structure no. 089B00030N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,636
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-181 over Carter Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-181 over Carter Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 1,636 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,636 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-181
CrossesCarter Creek
Location1.8 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 890
RouteState Highway 181
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.12694, -87.135
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,636 (2021)
Projected traffic1,636 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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-181 over Carter Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-181 over Carter 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 KY-181 over Carter Creek carry?

About 1,636 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-181 over Carter Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-181 over Carter Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.