US Bridges

KY-243 over Wards Branch

FairPosted for load

Boyle County, Kentucky · .07 MI N of JCT Ky 1856 · Structure no. 011B00029N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
193
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-243 over Wards Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-243 over Wards Branch in Boyle County, Kentucky. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 193 vehicles a day, projected to reach 193 by 2042. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-243
CrossesWards Branch
Location.07 MI N of JCT Ky 1856
RouteState Highway 243
CountyBoyle County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.55806, -85.02889
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: 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 rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic193 (2022)
Projected traffic193 by 2042
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-243 over Wards Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-243 over Wards Branch 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-243 over Wards Branch carry?

About 193 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-243 over Wards Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m).

Who owns KY-243 over Wards Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.