US Bridges

Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · .50 MI West of JCT KY2079 · Structure no. 007B00087N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
150 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2042. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesWinchester Avenue
CrossesBennetts Fork
Location.50 MI West of JCT KY2079
RouteState Highway 186
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.60194, -83.75056
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2022)
Projected traffic120 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$478,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork 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 Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Winchester Avenue over Bennetts Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.