US Bridges

KY-238 over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Edmonson County, Kentucky · 2.4 MI West of JCT Ky 259 · Structure no. 031B00025N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
172 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
268
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-238 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-238 over Bear Creek in Edmonson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 6 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 268 vehicles a day, projected to reach 268 by 2041. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-238
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.4 MI West of JCT Ky 259
RouteState Highway 238
CountyEdmonson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.29028, -86.32667
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.3 US tons
Inventory rating28.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic268 (2021)
Projected traffic268 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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-238 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-238 over Bear 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-238 over Bear Creek carry?

About 268 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-238 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-238 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.