US Bridges

KY-79 over Buck Creek

Fair

Grayson County, Kentucky · .70 MI S.W. of W Ky Pw Nt · Structure no. 043B00024N

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,288
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-79 over Buck Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-79 over Buck Creek in Grayson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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.

It carries about 1,288 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,288 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-79
CrossesBuck Creek
Location.70 MI S.W. of W Ky Pw Nt
RouteState Highway 79
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.40583, -86.51083
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,288 (2023)
Projected traffic1,288 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-79 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-79 over Buck 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 September 2022.

How much traffic does KY-79 over Buck Creek carry?

About 1,288 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-79 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns KY-79 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.