US Bridges

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · Prior to the 28 M/P · Structure no. 048B00016N

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
299
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr is a concrete culvert carrying KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 62 ft (19 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-38
CrossesClover Fk Cumberland Rvr
LocationPrior to the 28 M/P
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.87722, -82.93167
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 closed1.9 mi (3 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 Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 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 299 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

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

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.