US Bridges

KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Kentucky · 1.7 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 109 · Structure no. 117B00043N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
118
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 118 vehicles a day, projected to reach 118 by 2040. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-143
CrossesVaughn Ditch
Location1.7 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 109
RouteState Highway 143
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.46333, -87.89833
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic118 (2020)
Projected traffic118 by 2040
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch carry?

About 118 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-143 over Vaughn Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.