US Bridges

KY-344 over Bear Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Kentucky · .90 MI West of JCT Ky 377 · Structure no. 068B00018N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
287
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-344 over Bear Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-344 over Bear Branch in Lewis County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 287 vehicles a day, projected to reach 287 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-344
CrossesBear Branch
Location.90 MI West of JCT Ky 377
RouteState Highway 344
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.48028, -83.40194
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic287 (2021)
Projected traffic287 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-344 over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-344 over Bear 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 2022.

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

About 287 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-344 over Bear Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns KY-344 over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.