US Bridges

KY-189 over Buck Fork

FairPosted for load

Christian County, Kentucky · .40 MI East of JCT Ky 107 · Structure no. 024B00063N

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
72 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
453
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-189 over Buck Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-189 over Buck Fork in Christian 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 453 vehicles a day, projected to reach 453 by 2043. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-189
CrossesBuck Fork
Location.40 MI East of JCT Ky 107
RouteState Highway 189
CountyChristian County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.98139, -87.35222
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.3 US tons
Inventory rating17 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic453 (2023)
Projected traffic453 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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-189 over Buck Fork built?

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

What condition is KY-189 over Buck Fork 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-189 over Buck Fork carry?

About 453 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-189 over Buck Fork?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-189 over Buck Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.