US Bridges

KY-38 over Fugitt Creek

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .10 MI West of JCT Ky 179 · Structure no. 048B00014N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
621
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Fugitt Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-38 over Fugitt Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 621 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 621 by 2041. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 46 mi (74 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-38
CrossesFugitt Creek
Location.10 MI West of JCT Ky 179
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.91139, -83.08639
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic621 (2021)
Projected traffic621 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed46 mi (74 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$173,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-38 over Fugitt Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Fugitt Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-38 over Fugitt Creek carry?

About 621 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-38 over Fugitt Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Fugitt Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.