US Bridges

US-431 over Plum Crk

Poor

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .60 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 176 · Structure no. 089B00099N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,440
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-431 over Plum Crk is a concrete culvert carrying US-431 over Plum Crk in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,440 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,440 by 2039. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long.

CarriesUS-431
CrossesPlum Crk
Location.60 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 176
RouteU.S. Route 431
Coordinates37.21222, -87.04417
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating51.7 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,440 (2019)
Projected traffic5,440 by 2039
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$305,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-431 over Plum Crk built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-431 over Plum Crk in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does US-431 over Plum Crk carry?

About 5,440 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-431 over Plum Crk?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns US-431 over Plum Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.