US Bridges

KY-229 over Laurel River

Fair

Laurel County, Kentucky · .85 MI S of JCT Ky 1189 · Structure no. 063B00019N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
228 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
4,296
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-229 over Laurel River is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-229 over Laurel River in Laurel County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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.

It carries about 4,296 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,296 by 2042. The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-229
CrossesLaurel River
Location.85 MI S of JCT Ky 1189
RouteState Highway 229
CountyLaurel County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.05472, -84.0275
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length228 ft (69.5 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,296 (2022)
Projected traffic4,296 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$715,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-229 over Laurel River built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-229 over Laurel River 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-229 over Laurel River carry?

About 4,296 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-229 over Laurel River?

The structure is 228 ft (69.5 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-229 over Laurel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.