US Bridges

KY-87 over Barren River

FairPosted for load

Monroe County, Kentucky · .70 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 678 · Structure no. 086B00025N

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
382 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
576
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-87 over Barren River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-87 over Barren River in Monroe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 576 vehicles a day, projected to reach 576 by 2043. The structure is 382 ft (116.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-87
CrossesBarren River
Location.70 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 678
RouteState Highway 87
CountyMonroe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.67444, -85.95361
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.2 US tons
Inventory rating29.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length382 ft (116.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic576 (2023)
Projected traffic576 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-87 over Barren River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-87 over Barren River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-87 over Barren River carry?

About 576 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-87 over Barren River?

The structure is 382 ft (116.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-87 over Barren River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.