US Bridges

KY-70 over Little Cypress Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI West of JCT US 431 · Structure no. 089B00047N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
166 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,381
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Little Cypress Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-70 over Little Cypress 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.

It carries about 3,381 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,381 by 2039. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 4.3 mi (7 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-70
CrossesLittle Cypress Creek
Location1.0 MI West of JCT US 431
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.29528, -87.14111
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,381 (2019)
Projected traffic3,381 by 2039
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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$529,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Little Cypress Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-70 over Little Cypress 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-70 over Little Cypress Creek carry?

About 3,381 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Little Cypress Creek?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Little Cypress Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.