US Bridges

KY-1138 over Cranks Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .75 MI S.W. of JCT US 421 · Structure no. 048B00071N

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1138 over Cranks Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-1138 over Cranks Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2042. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-1138
CrossesCranks Creek
Location.75 MI S.W. of JCT US 421
RouteState Highway 1138
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.7575, -83.19694
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.4 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2022)
Projected traffic50 by 2042
Trucks0%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$248,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-1138 over Cranks Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-1138 over Cranks 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-1138 over Cranks Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-1138 over Cranks Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-1138 over Cranks Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.