US Bridges

Little Caney Branc over Open Fork

PoorPosted for load

Morgan County, Kentucky · 100 S Ky 172 · Structure no. 088C00010N

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
66
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Little Caney Branc over Open Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Little Caney Branc over Open Fork in Morgan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 66 vehicles a day, projected to reach 66 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLittle Caney Branc
CrossesOpen Fork
Location100 S Ky 172
RouteCounty Highway 1038
CountyMorgan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.97444, -83.06028
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionOctober 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.6 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66 (2012)
Projected traffic66 by 2032
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Little Caney Branc over Open Fork built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Little Caney Branc over Open Fork 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Little Caney Branc over Open Fork carry?

About 66 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Little Caney Branc over Open Fork?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Little Caney Branc over Open Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.