US Bridges

KY-126 over Dreen Creek

Fair

Caldwell County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 672 · Structure no. 017B00023N

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
192 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
349
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-126 over Dreen Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-126 over Dreen Creek in Caldwell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 93 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.

It carries about 349 vehicles a day, projected to reach 349 by 2039. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-126
CrossesDreen Creek
Location1.0 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 672
RouteState Highway 126
CountyCaldwell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.99528, -87.79694
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.6 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic349 (2019)
Projected traffic349 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 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$593,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-126 over Dreen Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is KY-126 over Dreen 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-126 over Dreen Creek carry?

About 349 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is KY-126 over Dreen Creek?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-126 over Dreen Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.