US Bridges

Ky 44 over Beech Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Kentucky · 0.9 MI E of Ky 714 · Structure no. 106B00072N

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
343 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,593
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 44 over Beech Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ky 44 over Beech Creek in Shelby County, Kentucky. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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.

It carries about 1,593 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,593 by 2043. The structure is 343 ft (104.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 44
CrossesBeech Creek
Location0.9 MI E of Ky 714
RouteState Highway 44
CountyShelby County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.09889, -85.17694
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating46.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length343 ft (104.6 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,593 (2023)
Projected traffic1,593 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 44 over Beech Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 44 over Beech 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 2021.

How much traffic does Ky 44 over Beech Creek carry?

About 1,593 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Ky 44 over Beech Creek?

The structure is 343 ft (104.6 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 44 over Beech Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.