US Bridges

KY-296 over Cumberland River

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · .05 MI West of JCT US 25W · Structure no. 118B00094N

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
446 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,376
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-296 over Cumberland River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-296 over Cumberland River in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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.

It carries about 3,376 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,376 by 2041. The structure is 446 ft (135.9 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-296
CrossesCumberland River
Location.05 MI West of JCT US 25W
RouteState Highway 296
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.74333, -84.15694
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating87.2 US tons
Inventory rating52.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length446 ft (135.9 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,376 (2021)
Projected traffic3,376 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-296 over Cumberland River built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-296 over Cumberland River 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does KY-296 over Cumberland River carry?

About 3,376 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is KY-296 over Cumberland River?

The structure is 446 ft (135.9 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns KY-296 over Cumberland River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.