US Bridges

KY-121 over Shelton Creek

GoodPosted for load

Ballard County, Kentucky · 3.3 MI East of JCT US51&6 · Structure no. 004B00026N

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,303
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-121 over Shelton Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-121 over Shelton Creek in Ballard County, Kentucky. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,303 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,303 by 2039. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-121
CrossesShelton Creek
Location3.3 MI East of JCT US51&6
RouteState Highway 121
CountyBallard County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.94111, -89.03806
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,303 (2019)
Projected traffic1,303 by 2039
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$345,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-121 over Shelton Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-121 over Shelton Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-121 over Shelton Creek carry?

About 1,303 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is KY-121 over Shelton Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-121 over Shelton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.