US Bridges

KY-987 over Brownies Creek

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · .40 MI West of JCT Ky 217 · Structure no. 007B00046N

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
453
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-987 over Brownies Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-987 over Brownies Creek in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 453 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 453 by 2041. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-987
CrossesBrownies Creek
Location.40 MI West of JCT Ky 217
RouteState Highway 987
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.70667, -83.55972
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic453 (2021)
Projected traffic453 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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-987 over Brownies Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-987 over Brownies 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-987 over Brownies Creek carry?

About 453 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-987 over Brownies Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-987 over Brownies Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.