US Bridges

KY-438 over Long Lick Creek

PoorPosted for load

Washington County, Kentucky · 2.2 MI N of JCT Ky 152 · Structure no. 115B00052N

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
83
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-438 over Long Lick Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-438 over Long Lick Creek in Washington County, Kentucky. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 83 vehicles a day, projected to reach 83 by 2043. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-438
CrossesLong Lick Creek
Location2.2 MI N of JCT Ky 152
RouteState Highway 438
CountyWashington County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.74139, -85.09306
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating19.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic83 (2023)
Projected traffic83 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$112,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-438 over Long Lick Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-438 over Long Lick Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does KY-438 over Long Lick Creek carry?

About 83 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-438 over Long Lick Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns KY-438 over Long Lick Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.