US Bridges

KY-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment

FairPosted for load

Barren County, Kentucky · 2.3 MI E of JCT Ky 255 · Structure no. 005B00030N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
322 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
852
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment in Barren County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 852 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 852 by 2042. The structure is 322 ft (98.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-252
CrossesBeaver Creek Embayment
Location2.3 MI E of JCT Ky 255
RouteState Highway 252
CountyBarren County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.9425, -86.02861
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length322 ft (98.1 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic852 (2022)
Projected traffic852 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment built?

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

What condition is KY-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment 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-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment carry?

About 852 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment?

The structure is 322 ft (98.1 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-252 over Beaver Creek Embayment?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.