Ky-281 over Branch of Elk Creek
Hopkins County, Kentucky · rated Fair in the 2025 National Bridge Inventory
United States Bridge Conditions2025 National Bridge Inventory, FHWACompiled
- Ky-281 over Branch of Elk Creek in Hopkins County, Kentucky, is rated in fair condition in the 2025 National Bridge Inventory (as of ).
- Its lowest-rated component is the substructure, rated 6 (satisfactory condition) on the 0-9 scale.
- It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old at the 2025 inventory.
- It carries about 370 vehicles a day (traffic count year 2023).
- Its listed owner is the state highway agency.
- It is one of 202 of the 249 inventoried bridges in Hopkins County rated fair (81.1%); 18 (7.2%) are rated poor.
- Its traffic status in the 2025 inventory is open, no restriction (NBI item 41).
- Its condition class and component ratings are unchanged from the 2024 inventory.
- Its most recent inspection on record is dated May 2023, on a 24-month routine inspection cycle.
- A fair rating means the lowest-rated major component scores 5 or 6 on FHWA's 0-9 scale: some deterioration or minor section loss, but the structure is sound. It is the middle class, not a warning.
View this bridge on a map → (37.39222, -87.45861)
Component ratings
| Component | Rating (2024) | Rating (2025) | FHWA scale meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck | 7 | 7 | Good condition |
| Superstructure | 7 | 7 | Good condition |
| Substructure | 6 | 6 | Satisfactory condition |
Bridge details
| Structure | Prestressed concrete multiple box beam |
| Length | about 35 ft |
| Location | .2 Mile North of Ky 862 |
| NBI structure number | 054B00203N |
| Condition class | Fair |
| Traffic status (item 41) | Open, no restriction |
| Last inspection (item 90) | May 2023 |
| Inspection interval (item 91) | 24 months |
| Scour (item 113) | 4: foundations stable, field review says exposed foundations need protection |
Source: FHWA National Bridge Inventory, 2025 data as reported by the Kentucky department of transportation.
Busiest bridges in Hopkins County
| Bridge | Built | Vehicles/day | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eb-9004 over Drain to Br of Flat Cree | 1961 | 26,883 | Fair |
| Edward T Breathitt over Pennyrile Parkway | 1968 | 23,815 | Poor |
| Eb-9004 over Br of Flat Creek | 1961 | 21,787 | Fair |
| Ramp M over I-69 | 2014 | 20,310 | Good |
| Ramp L over I-69 | 2014 | 20,310 | Good |
| Ky-281 over CSX Railroad | 2002 | 20,111 | Fair |
All bridges nearby: Hopkins County, KY bridge conditions · every bridge in Hopkins County · Kentucky bridges.
Background: how bridge ratings work · what "poor" and "structurally deficient" actually mean · how often bridges are inspected.