US Bridges

Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek

PoorPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · .10 MI S of JCT Ky 987 · Structure no. 007C00013N

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
60 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2031. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesCowans Br RD
CrossesBrownies Creek
Location.10 MI S of JCT Ky 987
RouteCounty Highway 1124
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.70278, -83.52944
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.6 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width13 ft (4.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2011)
Projected traffic80 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$182,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Cowans Br RD over Brownies Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.