US Bridges

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Riv

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · 2.3 MI East of JCT Ky 72 · Structure no. 048B00105N

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
235 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,754
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Riv is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Riv in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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.

It carries about 5,754 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,754 by 2042. The structure is 235 ft (71.5 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-38
CrossesClover Fk Cumberland Riv
Location2.3 MI East of JCT Ky 72
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.86083, -83.29167
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating75.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length235 ft (71.5 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,754 (2022)
Projected traffic5,754 by 2042
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Riv built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Riv 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 Riv carry?

About 5,754 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

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

The structure is 235 ft (71.5 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Clover Fk Cumberland Riv?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.