US Bridges

KY-187 over Whetstone Creek

Good

Edmonson County, Kentucky · 0.4 M S of JCT KY-238 · Structure no. 031B00019N

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
54 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,095
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-187 over Whetstone Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-187 over Whetstone Creek in Edmonson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 92 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,095 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,095 by 2042. The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-187
CrossesWhetstone Creek
Location0.4 M S of JCT KY-238
RouteState Highway 187
CountyEdmonson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.27806, -86.37833
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.1 US tons
Inventory rating55.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length54 ft (16.4 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,095 (2022)
Projected traffic1,095 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$134,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-187 over Whetstone Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is KY-187 over Whetstone Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-187 over Whetstone Creek carry?

About 1,095 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-187 over Whetstone Creek?

The structure is 54 ft (16.4 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-187 over Whetstone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.