US Bridges

KY-70 over Br of Blue Spring Creek

Fair

Barren County, Kentucky · At Metcalfe - Barren Cl · Structure no. 005B00038N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,164
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Br of Blue Spring Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-70 over Br of Blue Spring 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 5 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 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-70
CrossesBr of Blue Spring Creek
LocationAt Metcalfe - Barren Cl
RouteState Highway 70
CountyBarren County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.07444, -85.75917
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed6.2 mi (10 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-70 over Br of Blue Spring Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-70 over Br of Blue Spring 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 Br of Blue Spring Creek carry?

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

How long is KY-70 over Br of Blue Spring Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns KY-70 over Br of Blue Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.