US Bridges

KY-185 over Barren River

FairPosted for load

Warren County, Kentucky · 2.23 MI N of JCT US 68-80 · Structure no. 114B00003N

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
586 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,142
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-185 over Barren River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-185 over Barren River in Warren County, Kentucky. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 7,142 vehicles a day, projected to reach 7,142 by 2042. The structure is 586 ft (178.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-185
CrossesBarren River
Location2.23 MI N of JCT US 68-80
RouteState Highway 185
CountyWarren County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.03, -86.445
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.4 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length586 ft (178.6 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,142 (2022)
Projected traffic7,142 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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-185 over Barren River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-185 over Barren 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-185 over Barren River carry?

About 7,142 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-185 over Barren River?

The structure is 586 ft (178.6 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns KY-185 over Barren River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.