US Bridges

KY-189 over Pond River

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · On Christian-Muhlenberg C · Structure no. 089B00038N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
453 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
494
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-189 over Pond River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-189 over Pond River in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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.

It carries about 494 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 494 by 2039. The structure is 453 ft (138.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-189
CrossesPond River
LocationOn Christian-Muhlenberg C
RouteState Highway 189
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.12222, -87.31944
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 inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating88 US tons
Inventory rating52.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length453 ft (138.1 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic494 (2019)
Projected traffic494 by 2039
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 Pond River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-189 over Pond 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does KY-189 over Pond River carry?

About 494 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-189 over Pond River?

The structure is 453 ft (138.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-189 over Pond River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.