US Bridges

KY-74 over Back Creek

Fair

Bell County, Kentucky · .40 MI Nor. of Tenn ST LN · Structure no. 007B00030N

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-74 over Back Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-74 over Back Creek in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 275 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-74
CrossesBack Creek
Location.40 MI Nor. of Tenn ST LN
RouteState Highway 74
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.58972, -83.89417
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating103.6 US tons
Inventory rating61.9 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 traffic275 (2023)
Projected traffic275 by 2043
Trucks9%
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-74 over Back Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-74 over Back 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-74 over Back Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-74 over Back Creek?

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

Who owns KY-74 over Back Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.