US Bridges

Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek

FairPosted for load

Whitley County, Kentucky · .2 MI SW of JCT Ky 92 · Structure no. 118C00011N

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesPoplar Creek Road
CrossesPoplar Creek
Location.2 MI SW of JCT Ky 92
RouteCounty Highway 1174
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.72556, -83.97917
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30.2 US tons
Inventory rating18.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2022)
Projected traffic100 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$121,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Poplar Creek Road over Poplar 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 2023.

How much traffic does Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Poplar Creek Road over Poplar Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.