US Bridges

KY-9 over Ben Willen Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Kentucky · 1.3 MI N.E. of JCT Ky 989 · Structure no. 068B00038N

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,163
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-9 over Ben Willen Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-9 over Ben Willen Branch in Lewis 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 5,163 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,163 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-9
CrossesBen Willen Branch
Location1.3 MI N.E. of JCT Ky 989
RouteState Highway 9
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.58528, -83.4175
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating94.8 US tons
Inventory rating56.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,163 (2023)
Projected traffic5,163 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-9 over Ben Willen Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-9 over Ben Willen 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 January 2022.

How much traffic does KY-9 over Ben Willen Branch carry?

About 5,163 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-9 over Ben Willen Branch?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns KY-9 over Ben Willen Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.