US Bridges

KY-143 over Crab Orchard Creek

PoorClosed to traffic

Webster County, Kentucky · .40 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 132 · Structure no. 117B00042N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
84
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-143 over Crab Orchard Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-143 over Crab Orchard Creek in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 2 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 84 vehicles a day, projected to reach 84 by 2042. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-143
CrossesCrab Orchard Creek
Location.40 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 132
RouteState Highway 143
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.42611, -87.90611
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure2 CriticalAdvanced deterioration of primary structural elements. Bridge may be closed until corrective action is taken.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating0.2 US tons
Inventory rating0.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic84 (2022)
Projected traffic84 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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$575,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-143 over Crab Orchard Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-143 over Crab Orchard 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-143 over Crab Orchard Creek carry?

About 84 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-143 over Crab Orchard Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-143 over Crab Orchard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.