US Bridges

KY-229 over Big Richland Creek

FairPosted for load

Knox County, Kentucky · .05 MI NW of JCT Ky 1803 · Structure no. 061B00012N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,177
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-229 over Big Richland Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-229 over Big Richland Creek in Knox County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,177 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,177 by 2041. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-229
CrossesBig Richland Creek
Location.05 MI NW of JCT Ky 1803
RouteState Highway 229
CountyKnox County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.9625, -83.89556
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.1 US tons
Inventory rating34.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,177 (2021)
Projected traffic1,177 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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-229 over Big Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-229 over Big Richland 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-229 over Big Richland Creek carry?

About 1,177 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is KY-229 over Big Richland Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns KY-229 over Big Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.