US Bridges

US-68 over Little Beaver Creek

FairPosted for load

Barren County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI East of JCT Ky 685 · Structure no. 005B00031N

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
173 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,419
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-68 over Little Beaver Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-68 over Little Beaver Creek in Barren County, Kentucky. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 5 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 4,419 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,419 by 2042. The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-68
CrossesLittle Beaver Creek
Location2.0 MI East of JCT Ky 685
RouteU.S. Route 68
CountyBarren County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.01639, -85.99028
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length173 ft (52.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,419 (2022)
Projected traffic4,419 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$550,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-68 over Little Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-68 over Little Beaver 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 US-68 over Little Beaver Creek carry?

About 4,419 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US-68 over Little Beaver Creek?

The structure is 173 ft (52.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US-68 over Little Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.