US Bridges

KY-453 over Barkley Canal

FairPosted for load

Lyon County, Kentucky · Barkley Canal · Structure no. 072B00020N

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
811 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
725
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-453 over Barkley Canal is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-453 over Barkley Canal in Lyon County, Kentucky. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 725 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 725 by 2043. The structure is 811 ft (247.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-453
CrossesBarkley Canal
LocationBarkley Canal
RouteState Highway 453
CountyLyon County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.98972, -88.22083
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.4 US tons
Inventory rating19.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length811 ft (247.1 m)
Longest span360 ft (109.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic725 (2023)
Projected traffic725 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-453 over Barkley Canal built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-453 over Barkley Canal 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does KY-453 over Barkley Canal carry?

About 725 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-453 over Barkley Canal?

The structure is 811 ft (247.1 m) long with a longest span of 360 ft (109.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-453 over Barkley Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.