US Bridges

KY-171 over Branch of Caney Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 831 · Structure no. 089B00034N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
191
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-171 over Branch of Caney Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-171 over Branch of Caney 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 191 vehicles a day, projected to reach 191 by 2041. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-171
CrossesBranch of Caney Creek
Location1.2 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 831
RouteState Highway 171
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.05528, -87.225
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to 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 length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic191 (2021)
Projected traffic191 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-171 over Branch of Caney Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-171 over Branch of Caney 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 Branch of Caney Creek carry?

About 191 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-171 over Branch of Caney Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m).

Who owns KY-171 over Branch of Caney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.