US Bridges

KY-136 over Buck Creek

PoorPosted for load

McLean County, Kentucky · 1.5 MI N.W. of JCT US 431 · Structure no. 075B00010N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
253 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,367
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-136 over Buck Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-136 over Buck Creek in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,367 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,367 by 2039. The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-136
CrossesBuck Creek
Location1.5 MI N.W. of JCT US 431
RouteState Highway 136
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.50861, -87.14083
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length253 ft (77.1 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,367 (2019)
Projected traffic1,367 by 2039
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$632,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-136 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-136 over Buck Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-136 over Buck Creek carry?

About 1,367 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is KY-136 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 253 ft (77.1 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-136 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.