US Bridges

I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek

Fair

Simpson County, Kentucky · 13.06 MI N of State Line · Structure no. 107B00050N

Built
2007
18 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
263 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
56,578
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek in Simpson County, Kentucky. It was built in 2007, so it is 18 years old, younger 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 56,578 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,156 by 2043. The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long and 130 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-65
CrossesWest Fork Drakes Creek
Location13.06 MI N of State Line
RouteInterstate 65
CountySimpson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.80833, -86.47361
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating58.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length263 ft (80.2 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.2 m)
Deck width130 ft (39.5 m)
Roadway width124 ft (37.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic56,578 (2023)
Projected traffic70,156 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek built?

It was built in 2007, making it 18 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65 over West Fork Drakes 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek carry?

About 56,578 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek?

The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.2 m) and a deck 130 ft wide.

Who owns I-65 over West Fork Drakes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.