US Bridges

KY-40 over Buck Creek

Fair

Martin County, Kentucky · 0.02 MI NE of JCT Ky 2031 · Structure no. 080B00001N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,221
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-40 over Buck Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-40 over Buck Creek in Martin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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.

It carries about 3,221 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,221 by 2040. The structure is 51 ft (15.4 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-40
CrossesBuck Creek
Location0.02 MI NE of JCT Ky 2031
RouteState Highway 40
CountyMartin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.84, -82.43667
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.4 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.4 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,221 (2020)
Projected traffic3,221 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$130,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-40 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-40 over Buck 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-40 over Buck Creek carry?

About 3,221 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-40 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.4 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.4 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns KY-40 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.