US Bridges

KY-39 over Gilberts Creek

PoorPosted for load

Garrard County, Kentucky · .20 MI S JCT Ky 1972 · Structure no. 040B00008N

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,242
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-39 over Gilberts Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-39 over Gilberts Creek in Garrard County, Kentucky. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,242 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,242 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-39
CrossesGilberts Creek
Location.20 MI S JCT Ky 1972
RouteState Highway 39
CountyGarrard County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.57861, -84.55889
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.5 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,242 (2022)
Projected traffic1,242 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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-39 over Gilberts Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-39 over Gilberts Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does KY-39 over Gilberts Creek carry?

About 1,242 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-39 over Gilberts Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.5 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-39 over Gilberts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.