US Bridges

KY-169 over Tates Creek

PoorPosted for load

Madison County, Kentucky · .75 MI S of JCT Ky 1156 · Structure no. 076B00030N

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
333
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-169 over Tates Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-169 over Tates Creek in Madison County, Kentucky. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 333 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 333 by 2043. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-169
CrossesTates Creek
Location.75 MI S of JCT Ky 1156
RouteState Highway 169
CountyMadison County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.83222, -84.41944
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic333 (2023)
Projected traffic333 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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-169 over Tates Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-169 over Tates 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-169 over Tates Creek carry?

About 333 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-169 over Tates Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns KY-169 over Tates Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.