US Bridges

KY-56 over Caldwell Creek

Fair

Webster County, Kentucky · 3.1 MI West of JCT US 41A · Structure no. 117B00066N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
53 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,452
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-56 over Caldwell Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-56 over Caldwell Creek in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,452 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,452 by 2041. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-56
CrossesCaldwell Creek
Location3.1 MI West of JCT US 41A
RouteState Highway 56
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.60778, -87.73056
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,452 (2021)
Projected traffic1,452 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$159,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-56 over Caldwell Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-56 over Caldwell 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does KY-56 over Caldwell Creek carry?

About 1,452 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-56 over Caldwell Creek?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-56 over Caldwell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.