US Bridges

KY-26 over Browns Creek

FairPosted for load

Whitley County, Kentucky · .10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 779 · Structure no. 118B00003N

Built
1917
108 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,770
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-26 over Browns Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-26 over Browns Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1917, so it is 108 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 6 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 5,770 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,770 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-26
CrossesBrowns Creek
Location.10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 779
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.77389, -84.13778
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 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 evaluation4: 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 rating31 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,770 (2021)
Projected traffic5,770 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 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-26 over Browns Creek built?

It was built in 1917, making it 108 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-26 over Browns 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-26 over Browns Creek carry?

About 5,770 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-26 over Browns Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns KY-26 over Browns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.