US Bridges

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · 4.1 MI East of JCT Ky 215 · Structure no. 048B00012N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 5 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 1,647 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,647 by 2043. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-38
CrossesClover Fk Cumberland Rvr
Location4.1 MI East of JCT Ky 215
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.89667, -83.13972
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,647 (2023)
Projected traffic1,647 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 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$850,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr carry?

About 1,647 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.