US Bridges

US-31W over Sinking Creek

Fair

Simpson County, Kentucky · 1 MI S of Warren CO Line · Structure no. 107B00001N

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,238
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-31W over Sinking Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-31W over Sinking Creek in Simpson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 8,238 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,238 by 2041. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS-31W
CrossesSinking Creek
Location1 MI S of Warren CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 31
Coordinates36.81222, -86.55611
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating87.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,238 (2021)
Projected traffic8,238 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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-31W over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-31W over Sinking 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 July 2021.

How much traffic does US-31W over Sinking Creek carry?

About 8,238 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-31W over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns US-31W over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.