US Bridges

US-68 over Douglas Creek

FairPosted for load

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · .70 MI S. of Cmblnd Pkwy · Structure no. 085B00001N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,146
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-68 over Douglas Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-68 over Douglas Creek in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,146 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,146 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-68
CrossesDouglas Creek
Location.70 MI S. of Cmblnd Pkwy
RouteU.S. Route 68
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.99056, -85.61528
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,146 (2022)
Projected traffic3,146 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$140,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-68 over Douglas Creek built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-68 over Douglas 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US-68 over Douglas Creek carry?

About 3,146 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US-68 over Douglas Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns US-68 over Douglas Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.