US Bridges

Ky 44 over Elk Creek

Fair

Spencer County, Kentucky · 100 Ft E of Ky 1251 · Structure no. 108B00007N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
156 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,191
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 44 over Elk Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ky 44 over Elk Creek in Spencer County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 5 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 6,191 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,191 by 2039. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 44
CrossesElk Creek
Location100 Ft E of Ky 1251
RouteState Highway 44
CountySpencer County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.03056, -85.39889
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,191 (2019)
Projected traffic6,191 by 2039
Trucks10%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$434,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 44 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 44 over Elk 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Ky 44 over Elk Creek carry?

About 6,191 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ky 44 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 44 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.