US Bridges

KY-38 over Liges Branch

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · 3.8 MI East of JCT Ky 215 · Structure no. 048B00013N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Liges Branch is a masonry culvert carrying KY-38 over Liges Branch in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,647 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,647 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-38
CrossesLiges Branch
Location3.8 MI East of JCT Ky 215
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.8975, -83.13944
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed47.2 mi (76 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-38 over Liges Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Liges 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-38 over Liges Branch carry?

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

How long is KY-38 over Liges Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Liges Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.