US Bridges

KY-38 over New Diversion-Clover for

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · .9 Mi. E. JCT US 421 · Structure no. 048B00166N

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
318 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,754
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-38 over New Diversion-Clover for is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-38 over New Diversion-Clover for in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 5,754 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,754 by 2042. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-38
CrossesNew Diversion-Clover for
Location.9 Mi. E. JCT US 421
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.85111, -83.31083
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating99.6 US tons
Inventory rating58.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span154 ft (46.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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 closed49.7 mi (80 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 New Diversion-Clover for built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-38 over New Diversion-Clover for 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-38 over New Diversion-Clover for carry?

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

How long is KY-38 over New Diversion-Clover for?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 154 ft (46.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns KY-38 over New Diversion-Clover for?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.