US Bridges

Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · _milepost 19.810 · Structure no. 048B00197N

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
621
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch is a masonry culvert carrying Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 621 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 621 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 38
CrossesFanny Wynn Branch
Location_milepost 19.810
RouteState Highway 38
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.88944, -83.05167
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.6 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic621 (2021)
Projected traffic621 by 2041
Trucks6%
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 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 Fanny Wynn Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch carry?

About 621 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Ky 38 over Fanny Wynn Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.