US Bridges

KY-63 over Shoals Creek

Fair

Barren County, Kentucky · 2.4 MI S of JCT Ky 1324 · Structure no. 005B00015N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
52 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,042
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-63 over Shoals Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-63 over Shoals Creek in Barren County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,042 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,042 by 2043. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-63
CrossesShoals Creek
Location2.4 MI S of JCT Ky 1324
RouteState Highway 63
CountyBarren County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.85444, -85.83861
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,042 (2023)
Projected traffic1,042 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$135,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-63 over Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-63 over Shoals 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does KY-63 over Shoals Creek carry?

About 1,042 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-63 over Shoals Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-63 over Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.