US Bridges

KY-638 over Rader Creek

Fair

Clay County, Kentucky · 3.4 MI NW of JCT US-421 · Structure no. 026B00122N

Built
2022
3 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,162
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-638 over Rader Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-638 over Rader Creek in Clay County, Kentucky. It was built in 2022, so it is 3 years old, younger 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 1,162 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,162 by 2042. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-638
CrossesRader Creek
Location3.4 MI NW of JCT US-421
RouteState Highway 638
CountyClay County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.18944, -83.82361
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating84.3 US tons
Inventory rating65 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,162 (2022)
Projected traffic1,162 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-638 over Rader Creek built?

It was built in 2022, making it 3 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-638 over Rader 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-638 over Rader Creek carry?

About 1,162 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-638 over Rader Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-638 over Rader Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.