US Bridges

KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek

Good

Laurel County, Kentucky · .85 MI S of W-Jct Ky 578 · Structure no. 063B00124N

Built
2020
5 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
113 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
409
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek in Laurel County, Kentucky. It was built in 2020, so it is 5 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 409 vehicles a day, projected to reach 409 by 2041. The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-638
CrossesBig Raccoon Creek
Location.85 MI S of W-Jct Ky 578
RouteState Highway 638
CountyLaurel County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.22028, -84.01611
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length113 ft (34.4 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic409 (2021)
Projected traffic409 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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-638 over Big Raccoon Creek built?

It was built in 2020, making it 5 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek carry?

About 409 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek?

The structure is 113 ft (34.4 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-638 over Big Raccoon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.