US Bridges

US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway

FairPosted for load

Nelson County, Kentucky · 1.9 MI SW of JCT US 62 · Structure no. 090B00044N

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
213 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,321
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 6 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 10,321 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,321 by 2043. The structure is 213 ft (65 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-31E
CrossesBluegrass Parkway
Location1.9 MI SW of JCT US 62
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.78556, -85.48917
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length213 ft (65 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,321 (2023)
Projected traffic10,321 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway carry?

About 10,321 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway?

The structure is 213 ft (65 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US-31E over Bluegrass Parkway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.