US Bridges

KY-256 over Long Falls Creek

FairPosted for load

McLean County, Kentucky · .40 MI West of JCT Ky 81 · Structure no. 075B00030N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
189 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
217
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-256 over Long Falls Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-256 over Long Falls Creek in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 217 vehicles a day, projected to reach 217 by 2043. The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-256
CrossesLong Falls Creek
Location.40 MI West of JCT Ky 81
RouteState Highway 256
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.5325, -87.26833
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.
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 inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length189 ft (57.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic217 (2023)
Projected traffic217 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-256 over Long Falls Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-256 over Long Falls 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-256 over Long Falls Creek carry?

About 217 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-256 over Long Falls Creek?

The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-256 over Long Falls Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.