US Bridges

KY-496 over Oil Well Branch

FairPosted for load

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · 0.49 MI E of JCT W/Ky 533 · Structure no. 085B00025N

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
696
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-496 over Oil Well Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-496 over Oil Well Branch in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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 6 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 696 vehicles a day, projected to reach 696 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-496
CrossesOil Well Branch
Location0.49 MI E of JCT W/Ky 533
RouteState Highway 496
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.96667, -85.59806
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating22 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic696 (2022)
Projected traffic696 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$75,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-496 over Oil Well Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-496 over Oil Well Branch 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 KY-496 over Oil Well Branch carry?

About 696 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-496 over Oil Well Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-496 over Oil Well Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.