US Bridges

KY-461 over Buck Creek

Fair

Pulaski County, Kentucky · 2.25 MI N of JCT Ky 1677 · Structure no. 100B00098N

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
515 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,696
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-461 over Buck Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-461 over Buck Creek in Pulaski County, Kentucky. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 6,696 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,696 by 2042. The structure is 515 ft (157 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-461
CrossesBuck Creek
Location2.25 MI N of JCT Ky 1677
RouteState Highway 461
CountyPulaski County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.20611, -84.45889
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length515 ft (157 m)
Longest span220 ft (67.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,696 (2022)
Projected traffic6,696 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 KY-461 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-461 over Buck Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-461 over Buck Creek carry?

About 6,696 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is KY-461 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 515 ft (157 m) long with a longest span of 220 ft (67.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns KY-461 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.