US Bridges

KY-70 over P&l Railway

FairPosted for load

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI E of E-Jct Ky 175 · Structure no. 089B00046N

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
126 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,535
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over P&l Railway is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-70 over P&l Railway in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,535 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,535 by 2039. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-70
CrossesP&l Railway
Location1.2 MI E of E-Jct Ky 175
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.30722, -87.26861
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.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,535 (2019)
Projected traffic1,535 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed4.3 mi (7 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$441,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over P&l Railway built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over P&l Railway 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does KY-70 over P&l Railway carry?

About 1,535 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over P&l Railway?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over P&l Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.