US Bridges

KY-459 over Richland Creek

FairPosted for load

Knox County, Kentucky · @ SW City Limits-Barbvlle · Structure no. 061B00088N

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
207 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,785
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-459 over Richland Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - single or spread carrying KY-459 over Richland Creek in Knox County, Kentucky. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,785 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,785 by 2041. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-459
CrossesRichland Creek
Location@ SW City Limits-Barbvlle
RouteState Highway 459
CountyKnox County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.86389, -83.89139
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 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Single or Spread
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,785 (2021)
Projected traffic1,785 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-459 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-459 over 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-459 over Richland Creek carry?

About 1,785 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-459 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns KY-459 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.