US Bridges

KY-473 over Unname Stream

Good

Ballard County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 156 · Structure no. 004B00030N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
570
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-473 over Unname Stream is a concrete culvert carrying KY-473 over Unname Stream in Ballard County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 570 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 570 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-473
CrossesUnname Stream
Location1.0 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 156
RouteState Highway 473
CountyBallard County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.10944, -88.90139
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic570 (2021)
Projected traffic570 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-473 over Unname Stream built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-473 over Unname Stream 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-473 over Unname Stream carry?

About 570 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-473 over Unname Stream?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-473 over Unname Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.