PADUCAH, Ky. — The federal government has deemed more than 350 bridges in far western Kentucky deficient and substandard.

        But state highway officials say the ratings are misleading.

        “We do not have any unsafe bridges in the district,” said Alan Thomas, operations branch manager for the District 1 highway office in Reidland.

        The bridges include Interstate 24 in McCracken County, Ky. 121 in Calloway County, U.S. 45 in Graves County, U.S. 62 in Carlisle County, U.S. 60 in Livingston County and U.S. 641 in Marshall County.

        “The technical terminology can be alarming,” Mr. Thomas said. “It doesn't mean that the bridges are unsafe or dangerous. It means that the bridges are either narrow or they have load limits less than the main highway.”

        Mr. Thomas said the government established the rating system to identify bridges that qualify for the federal bridge-replacement program.

        “The ratings are used as a management and planning tool,” he said.
       

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