US Bridges

KY-221 over Big Run Creek

GoodPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · On Harlan - Bell Cl · Structure no. 007B00012N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
724
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-221 over Big Run Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-221 over Big Run Creek in Bell 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 724 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 724 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-221
CrossesBig Run Creek
LocationOn Harlan - Bell Cl
RouteState Highway 221
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.84944, -83.48222
Functional classRural Major 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic724 (2021)
Projected traffic724 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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-221 over Big Run Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-221 over Big Run Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-221 over Big Run Creek carry?

About 724 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is KY-221 over Big Run Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns KY-221 over Big Run Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.