US Bridges

Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek

PoorPosted for load

Mercer County, Kentucky · .8 MI W of JCT Ky 1987 · Structure no. 084C00031N

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
165
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek in Mercer County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 165 vehicles a day, projected to reach 165 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAlford RD
CrossesS.Fk. Buchanah Creek
Location.8 MI W of JCT Ky 1987
RouteCounty Highway 1320
CountyMercer County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.91917, -84.93667
Functional classRural Local

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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18.1 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic165 (2022)
Projected traffic165 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek carry?

About 165 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m).

Who owns Alford RD over S.Fk. Buchanah Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.