US Bridges

KY-70 over Cypress Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .75 MI East of JCT Ky 181 · Structure no. 089B00048N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
232 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,098
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Cypress Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-70 over 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 2,098 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,098 by 2038. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 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
CrossesCypress Creek
Location.75 MI East of JCT Ky 181
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.30306, -87.19722
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,098 (2018)
Projected traffic2,098 by 2038
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$739,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Cypress Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-70 over 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 Cypress Creek carry?

About 2,098 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Cypress Creek?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Cypress Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.