US Bridges

KY-256 over Yellow Creek

Poor

McLean County, Kentucky · .35 MI East of JCT Ky 797 · Structure no. 075B00033N

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
153
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-256 over Yellow Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-256 over Yellow Creek in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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.

It carries about 153 vehicles a day, projected to reach 153 by 2043. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-256
CrossesYellow Creek
Location.35 MI East of JCT Ky 797
RouteState Highway 256
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.58528, -87.3675
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating105.2 US tons
Inventory rating63.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic153 (2023)
Projected traffic153 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Yellow Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-256 over Yellow 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-256 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 153 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-256 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-256 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.