US Bridges

KY-140 over Porters Ditch

PoorPosted for load

McLean County, Kentucky · .20 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 136 · Structure no. 075B00041N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
260
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-140 over Porters Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-140 over Porters Ditch in McLean County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 260 vehicles a day, projected to reach 260 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-140
CrossesPorters Ditch
Location.20 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 136
RouteState Highway 140
CountyMcLean County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.60389, -87.32139
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.2 US tons
Inventory rating39.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic260 (2023)
Projected traffic260 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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-140 over Porters Ditch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-140 over Porters Ditch 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-140 over Porters Ditch carry?

About 260 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-140 over Porters Ditch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-140 over Porters Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.