US Bridges

KY-338 over Gum Branch

PoorPosted for load

Boone County, Kentucky · .05 MI E of JCT Ky 1925 · Structure no. 008B00026N

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,473
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-338 over Gum Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-338 over Gum Branch in Boone 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 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 1,473 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,473 by 2043. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-338
CrossesGum Branch
Location.05 MI E of JCT Ky 1925
RouteState Highway 338
CountyBoone County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.88833, -84.75528
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length66 ft (20.1 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 traffic1,473 (2023)
Projected traffic1,473 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$214,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-338 over Gum Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-338 over Gum Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-338 over Gum Branch carry?

About 1,473 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-338 over Gum Branch?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-338 over Gum Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.