US Bridges

US-68 over Caney Fork

FairPosted for load

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · On Metcalfe/Green C.L. · Structure no. 085B00003N

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
58 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
778
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-68 over Caney Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying US-68 over Caney Fork in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 778 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 778 by 2043. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.3 mi (15 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-68
CrossesCaney Fork
LocationOn Metcalfe/Green C.L.
RouteU.S. Route 68
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.11639, -85.59083
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length58 ft (17.7 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic778 (2023)
Projected traffic778 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.3 mi (15 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$149,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-68 over Caney Fork built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-68 over Caney Fork 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 Caney Fork carry?

About 778 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US-68 over Caney Fork?

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns US-68 over Caney Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.