US Bridges

KY-98 over Barren River

Fair

Allen County, Kentucky · .20 MI East of JCT Ky 671 · Structure no. 002B00025N

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
324 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,053
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-98 over Barren River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-98 over Barren River in Allen County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 62 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 6 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 2,053 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,053 by 2043. The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-98
CrossesBarren River
Location.20 MI East of JCT Ky 671
RouteState Highway 98
CountyAllen County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.75639, -86.04
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length324 ft (98.8 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,053 (2023)
Projected traffic2,053 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-98 over Barren River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is KY-98 over Barren River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-98 over Barren River carry?

About 2,053 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-98 over Barren River?

The structure is 324 ft (98.8 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns KY-98 over Barren River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.