US Bridges

KY-81 over Cypress Creek

FairPosted for load

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI West of JCT US 431 · Structure no. 089B00053N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,302
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-81 over Cypress Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-81 over Cypress Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 2,302 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,302 by 2040. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 22.4 mi (36 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-81
CrossesCypress Creek
Location1.0 MI West of JCT US 431
RouteState Highway 81
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.33917, -87.16111
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.
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 statusPosted for load 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,302 (2020)
Projected traffic2,302 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed22.4 mi (36 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-81 over Cypress Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-81 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-81 over Cypress Creek carry?

About 2,302 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-81 over Cypress Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-81 over Cypress Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.