US Bridges

KY-66 over Howard Branch

Fair

Bell County, Kentucky · 1.6 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 221 · Structure no. 007B00004N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,781
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-66 over Howard Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-66 over Howard Branch in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 1,781 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,781 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-66
CrossesHoward Branch
Location1.6 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 221
RouteState Highway 66
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.79528, -83.66611
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.8 US tons
Inventory rating50.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,781 (2023)
Projected traffic1,781 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 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-66 over Howard Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-66 over Howard Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-66 over Howard Branch carry?

About 1,781 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-66 over Howard Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns KY-66 over Howard Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.