US Bridges

Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek

Fair

Clay County, Kentucky · 3.7 MI S Ky 11 · Structure no. 026C00077N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek in Clay 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.

It carries about 10 vehicles a day, projected to reach 10 by 2026. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 11 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuzzard Creek Road
CrossesBuzzard Creek
Location3.7 MI S Ky 11
RouteCounty Highway 1238
CountyClay County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.05167, -83.73917
Functional classRural Local

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.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.4 US tons
Inventory rating48.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.5 m)
Roadway width10 ft (3.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10 (2006)
Projected traffic10 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$43,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek built?

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

What condition is Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek carry?

About 10 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns Buzzard Creek Road over Buzzard Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.