US Bridges

KY-70 over Beaver Creek

Fair

Barren County, Kentucky · 1.3 MI W of Metcalfe Cl · Structure no. 005B00037N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,164
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Beaver Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-70 over Beaver Creek in Barren County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 1,164 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,164 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

CarriesKY-70
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location1.3 MI W of Metcalfe Cl
RouteState Highway 70
Coordinates37.07306, -85.7825
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,164 (2022)
Projected traffic1,164 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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$73,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over Beaver 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Beaver Creek carry?

About 1,164 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.