US Bridges

KY-38 over Breedens Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · 6.3 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 179 · Structure no. 048B00015N

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
299
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Breedens Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-38 over Breedens Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 299 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 299 by 2042. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 46 mi (74 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-38
CrossesBreedens Creek
Location6.3 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 179
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.88389, -83.01472
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic299 (2022)
Projected traffic299 by 2042
Trucks11%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-38 over Breedens Creek built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Breedens Creek 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 Breedens Creek carry?

About 299 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-38 over Breedens Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Breedens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.