US Bridges

KY-66 over Sims Fork

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI N of JCT Ky 2133 · Structure no. 007B00007N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
538
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-66 over Sims Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-66 over Sims Fork in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 538 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 538 by 2041. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-66
CrossesSims Fork
Location2.0 MI N of JCT Ky 2133
RouteState Highway 66
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.83083, -83.62972
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic538 (2021)
Projected traffic538 by 2041
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$267,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-66 over Sims Fork built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-66 over Sims Fork 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 Sims Fork carry?

About 538 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-66 over Sims Fork?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-66 over Sims Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.