Historic Bridges in Kentucky
2,241 bridges built before 1951 in Kentucky still in service today.
Bridges Built Before 1951
The United States has 2,241 bridges in Kentucky built before 1951 that remain in active service. These structures are 75+ years old — many predate modern engineering codes and were not designed for today's traffic volumes and vehicle weights. The average design life of a bridge is 50 years, making these aging structures a significant infrastructure concern.
| Bridge | State | Condition | Year Built | Age (Years) | ADT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LICK FORK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 800 |
| TYGARTS CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 652 |
| E RHUDES CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 3,330 |
| LOONEY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 2,691 |
| LOONEY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 6,483 |
| MILL CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 2,329 |
| P&L RAILWAY | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 16,393 |
| Toms Creek | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 1,206 |
| BR OF INDIAN CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 360 |
| CSX RAILROAD | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 10,976 |
| LITTLE LAUREL RIVER | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 10,976 |
| Wright Fork | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 5,115 |
| PITMANS CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 495 |
| COOL CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 743 |
| SEVERN CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 883 |
| JUDY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 5,413 |
| WARREN BRANCH | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 902 |
| BEE LICK CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1942 | 84 | 902 |
| YELLOW CREEK | Kentucky | Poor | 1943 | 83 | 4,568 |
| COW BRANCH | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 2,647 |
| POND CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 2,647 |
| BEECHY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 844 |
| TAN BRANCH | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 844 |
| BRANCH | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 844 |
| BR OF NO.FK.ELKHORN CREE | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 4,232 |
| COX CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 2,594 |
| MILL CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 5,579 |
| MUD CREEK | Kentucky | Good | 1943 | 83 | 1,367 |
| P&L RAILWAY | Kentucky | Poor | 1943 | 83 | 361 |
| HIGHLAND CREEK | Kentucky | Poor | 1943 | 83 | 5,698 |
| SALT RIVER | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 21,821 |
| VIOX CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 12,839 |
| DECORSEY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 952 |
| Rockhouse Creek | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 90 |
| CSX RAILROAD SPUR | Kentucky | Poor | 1943 | 83 | 17,806 |
| JONATHAN CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 1,487 |
| BEE LICK CREEK | Kentucky | Poor | 1943 | 83 | 98 |
| WATHEN DITCH-BR LOST CRK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 1,583 |
| BARREN RIVER | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 9,806 |
| PIGEON ROOST CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 1,878 |
| ELK FORK CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 1,878 |
| VINY FORK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 30 |
| DRAINAGE TO VINY FORK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 30 |
| DRAINAGE DITCH | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 30 |
| DRAINAGE | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 30 |
| DRAINAGE TO MUDDY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 30 |
| DRAINAGE TO MUDDY CREEK | Kentucky | Fair | 1943 | 83 | 30 |
| BRADLEY BRANCH | Kentucky | Fair | 1944 | 82 | 744 |
| SOLDIER FORK OF TYGART C | Kentucky | Fair | 1944 | 82 | 744 |
| SOLDIER FORK OF TYGART C | Kentucky | Fair | 1944 | 82 | 744 |
About Historic Bridge Data
Bridges built before 1951 are classified as historic in this database. Many were designed to 1940s standards with lower load limits and narrower lanes. While FHWA requires regular inspections of all bridges regardless of age, older structures often require more frequent monitoring and rehabilitation investment.