US Bridges

KY-171 over Long Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .50 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 600 · Structure no. 089B00033N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2021
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
97 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-171 over Long Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-171 over Long Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 600 vehicles a day, projected to reach 600 by 2040. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-171
CrossesLong Creek
Location.50 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 600
RouteState Highway 171
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.10167, -87.19417
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.4 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2020)
Projected traffic600 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$242,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-171 over Long Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-171 over Long 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 2021.

How much traffic does KY-171 over Long Creek carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is KY-171 over Long Creek?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-171 over Long Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.