US Bridges

KY-189 over Jarrel Creek

Poor

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · .3 MI N of JCT Ky 1473 · Structure no. 089B00037N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
166 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
723
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-189 over Jarrel Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-189 over Jarrel Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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.

It carries about 723 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 723 by 2043. The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-189
CrossesJarrel Creek
Location.3 MI N of JCT Ky 1473
RouteState Highway 189
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.14611, -87.26194
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.6 US tons
Inventory rating44.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length166 ft (50.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic723 (2023)
Projected traffic723 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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-189 over Jarrel Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-189 over Jarrel Creek 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does KY-189 over Jarrel Creek carry?

About 723 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-189 over Jarrel Creek?

The structure is 166 ft (50.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-189 over Jarrel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.