US Bridges

KY-26 over Bacon Creek

FairPosted for load

Whitley County, Kentucky · .80 MI S of N-Jct US 25W · Structure no. 118B00009N

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,278
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-26 over Bacon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-26 over Bacon Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 5,278 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,278 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-26
CrossesBacon Creek
Location.80 MI S of N-Jct US 25W
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.92194, -84.08917
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.2 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,278 (2023)
Projected traffic5,278 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 Bacon Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

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

About 5,278 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-26 over Bacon Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-26 over Bacon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.