US Bridges

KY-86 over Black Branch

Good

Hardin County, Kentucky · 1.4 MI NW JCT US 62 · Structure no. 047B00148N

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
103 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,642
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-86 over Black Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-86 over Black Branch in Hardin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,642 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,642 by 2043. The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-86
CrossesBlack Branch
Location1.4 MI NW JCT US 62
RouteState Highway 86
CountyHardin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.66611, -85.96306
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating108.5 US tons
Inventory rating65.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length103 ft (31.4 m)
Longest span93 ft (28.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,642 (2023)
Projected traffic3,642 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-86 over Black Branch built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-86 over Black Branch 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 November 2022.

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

About 3,642 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-86 over Black Branch?

The structure is 103 ft (31.4 m) long with a longest span of 93 ft (28.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-86 over Black Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.