US Bridges

Ky 438 over Little Beech Creek

FairPosted for load

Washington County, Kentucky · _ · Structure no. 115B00035N

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
239 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
318
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 438 over Little Beech Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ky 438 over Little Beech Creek in Washington County, Kentucky. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 318 vehicles a day, projected to reach 318 by 2042. The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesKy 438
CrossesLittle Beech Creek
Location_
RouteState Highway 438
CountyWashington County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.76917, -85.1925
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length239 ft (72.8 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic318 (2022)
Projected traffic318 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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 438 over Little Beech Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 438 over Little Beech 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Ky 438 over Little Beech Creek carry?

About 318 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Ky 438 over Little Beech Creek?

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 438 over Little Beech Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.