US Bridges

KY-38 over Yocum Creek

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · .05 Mi.Ne JCT Ky 215 · Structure no. 048B00158N

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over Yocum Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-38 over Yocum Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 6 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 1,647 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,647 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-38
CrossesYocum Creek
Location.05 Mi.Ne JCT Ky 215
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.86583, -83.1925
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,647 (2023)
Projected traffic1,647 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 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 Yocum Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

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

About 1,647 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-38 over Yocum Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over Yocum Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.