US Bridges

KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek

FairPosted for load

Caldwell County, Kentucky · .80 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 70 · Structure no. 017B00003N

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
638
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek in Caldwell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 638 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 638 by 2042. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-139
CrossesFork of Donaldson Creek
Location.80 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 70
RouteState Highway 139
CountyCaldwell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.23417, -87.89694
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.6 US tons
Inventory rating31 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic638 (2022)
Projected traffic638 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$349,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek carry?

About 638 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-139 over Fork of Donaldson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.