US Bridges

KY-344 over Bear Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Kentucky · .94 Mi. West of JCT.377 · Structure no. 068B00107N

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
287
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-344 over Bear Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-344 over Bear Branch in Lewis County, Kentucky. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger 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 30 ft (9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-344
CrossesBear Branch
Location.94 Mi. West of JCT.377
RouteState Highway 344
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.48389, -83.39111
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
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 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating67.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 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 closed5 mi (8 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$297,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-344 over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 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 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-344 over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.