US Bridges

KY-38 over Clover Fork of Cumberlan

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .35 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 215 · Structure no. 048B00086N

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,003
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Clover Fork of Cumberlan is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-38 over Clover Fork of Cumberlan in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 5,003 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,003 by 2043. The structure is 195 ft (59.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-38
CrossesClover Fork of Cumberlan
Location.35 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 215
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.86417, -83.19778
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 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 rating58 US tons
Inventory rating34.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length195 ft (59.3 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,003 (2023)
Projected traffic5,003 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Fork of Cumberlan built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Clover Fork of Cumberlan 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 Fork of Cumberlan carry?

About 5,003 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-38 over Clover Fork of Cumberlan?

The structure is 195 ft (59.3 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Clover Fork of Cumberlan?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.