US Bridges

Ky 44 over Plum Creek

PoorPosted for load

Spencer County, Kentucky · 225 Ft E of Ky 1060 · Structure no. 108B00008N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,985
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 44 over Plum Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ky 44 over Plum 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,985 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,985 by 2042. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 22 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 44
CrossesPlum Creek
Location225 Ft E of Ky 1060
RouteState Highway 44
CountySpencer County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.03889, -85.43667
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating60.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,985 (2022)
Projected traffic3,985 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$354,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 44 over Plum Creek built?

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

What condition is Ky 44 over Plum Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does Ky 44 over Plum Creek carry?

About 3,985 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Ky 44 over Plum Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 44 over Plum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.