US Bridges

KY-139 over Little River

Fair

Trigg County, Kentucky · .10 MI Sou. of JCT US 68 · Structure no. 111B00014N

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
358 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
734
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-139 over Little River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-139 over Little River in Trigg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 734 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 734 by 2043. The structure is 358 ft (109 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-139
CrossesLittle River
Location.10 MI Sou. of JCT US 68
RouteState Highway 139
CountyTrigg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.85889, -87.83806
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length358 ft (109 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic734 (2023)
Projected traffic734 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-139 over Little River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-139 over Little 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-139 over Little River carry?

About 734 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-139 over Little River?

The structure is 358 ft (109 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-139 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.