US Bridges

KY-174 over Buffalo Creek

FairPosted for load

Rowan County, Kentucky · .20 MI East of JCT US 60 · Structure no. 103B00008N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,376
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-174 over Buffalo Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-174 over Buffalo Creek in Rowan 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,376 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,376 by 2042. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-174
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location.20 MI East of JCT US 60
RouteState Highway 174
CountyRowan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.24222, -83.34222
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,376 (2022)
Projected traffic1,376 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$99,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-174 over Buffalo Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-174 over Buffalo 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-174 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 1,376 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-174 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-174 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.