US Bridges

KY-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .20 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 70 · Structure no. 089B00069N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,831
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 1,831 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,831 by 2041. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-181
CrossesBranch of Cypress Creek
Location.20 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 70
RouteState Highway 181
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.30583, -87.21389
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,831 (2021)
Projected traffic1,831 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 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$88,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-181 over Branch of 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-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek carry?

About 1,831 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-181 over Branch of Cypress Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.