US Bridges

KY-138 over Deer Creek

Poor

Webster County, Kentucky · 2.6 MI East of JCT Ky 132 · Structure no. 117B00026N

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
165 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
319
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-138 over Deer Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-138 over Deer Creek in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older 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.

It carries about 319 vehicles a day, projected to reach 319 by 2042. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-138
CrossesDeer Creek
Location2.6 MI East of JCT Ky 132
RouteState Highway 138
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.52306, -87.61694
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64.2 US tons
Inventory rating38.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length165 ft (50.3 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.5 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic319 (2022)
Projected traffic319 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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-138 over Deer Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-138 over Deer 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does KY-138 over Deer Creek carry?

About 319 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-138 over Deer Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.5 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-138 over Deer Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.