US Bridges

KY-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch

Fair

Butler County, Kentucky · 2.4 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 70 · Structure no. 016B00006N

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,567
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch in Butler County, Kentucky. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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.

It carries about 3,567 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,567 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-79
CrossesWolfe Pen Branch
Location2.4 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 70
RouteState Highway 79
CountyButler County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.29889, -86.65972
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,567 (2021)
Projected traffic3,567 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-79 over Wolfe Pen 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-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch carry?

About 3,567 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns KY-79 over Wolfe Pen Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.