US Bridges

KY-2 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Carter County, Kentucky · .15 MI NE of JCT Ky 7 · Structure no. 022B00060N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
215 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
635
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-2 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-2 over Buffalo Creek in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 635 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 635 by 2043. The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long and 26 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-2
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.15 MI NE of JCT Ky 7
RouteState Highway 2
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.425, -83.08861
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length215 ft (65.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic635 (2023)
Projected traffic635 by 2043
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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-2 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-2 over Buffalo 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does KY-2 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 635 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is KY-2 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-2 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.