US Bridges

Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek

Fair

Lee County, Kentucky · .05 MI W of JCT Ky 1411 · Structure no. 065C00005N

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek in Lee County, Kentucky. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2034. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuffalo Zion RD
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.05 MI W of JCT Ky 1411
RouteCounty Highway 1146
CountyLee County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.52778, -83.68278
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2014)
Projected traffic100 by 2034
Trucks0%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Buffalo Zion RD over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.