US Bridges

KY-86 over Black Branch

PoorPosted for load

Hardin County, Kentucky · 1 MI E of JCT Ky 1375 · Structure no. 047B00061N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,477
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-86 over Black Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-86 over Black Branch in Hardin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 3 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 3,477 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,477 by 2038. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-86
CrossesBlack Branch
Location1 MI E of JCT Ky 1375
RouteState Highway 86
CountyHardin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.66306, -85.99667
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 6 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating16.6 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,477 (2018)
Projected traffic3,477 by 2038
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$67,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-86 over Black Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-86 over Black Branch 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-86 over Black Branch carry?

About 3,477 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-86 over Black Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-86 over Black Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.