US Bridges

KY-344 over Grassy Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Kentucky · .05 MI West of JCT Ky 59 · Structure no. 068B00015N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
76 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
728
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-344 over Grassy Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-344 over Grassy Branch in Lewis 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 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 728 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 728 by 2043. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-344
CrossesGrassy Branch
Location.05 MI West of JCT Ky 59
RouteState Highway 344
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.52111, -83.33528
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic728 (2023)
Projected traffic728 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$205,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-344 over Grassy Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-344 over Grassy Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-344 over Grassy Branch carry?

About 728 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-344 over Grassy Branch?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-344 over Grassy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.