US Bridges

KY-181 over Caney Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .65 MI West of JCT US 62 · Structure no. 089B00062N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
38 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,693
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-181 over Caney Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-181 over Caney 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.

It carries about 4,693 vehicles a day, projected to reach 4,693 by 2041. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-181
CrossesCaney Creek
Location.65 MI West of JCT US 62
RouteState Highway 181
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.21556, -87.18833
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.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating72 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,693 (2021)
Projected traffic4,693 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$139,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-181 over Caney Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-181 over 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-181 over Caney Creek carry?

About 4,693 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-181 over Caney Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-181 over Caney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.