US Bridges

KY-39 over Drake Creek

Fair

Lincoln County, Kentucky · 2.8 MI Nor. of JCT US 150 · Structure no. 069B00006N

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
126 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,079
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-39 over Drake Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-39 over Drake Creek in Lincoln County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 1,079 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,079 by 2042. The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-39
CrossesDrake Creek
Location2.8 MI Nor. of JCT US 150
RouteState Highway 39
CountyLincoln County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.50444, -84.51889
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length126 ft (38.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,079 (2022)
Projected traffic1,079 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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-39 over Drake Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-39 over Drake 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 April 2022.

How much traffic does KY-39 over Drake Creek carry?

About 1,079 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-39 over Drake Creek?

The structure is 126 ft (38.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-39 over Drake Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.