US Bridges

KY-987 over Blacksnake Creek

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · 2.3 MI East of JCT Ky 217 · Structure no. 007B00048N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
34 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
319
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-987 over Blacksnake Creek is a steel culvert carrying KY-987 over Blacksnake Creek in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 319 vehicles a day, projected to reach 319 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-987
CrossesBlacksnake Creek
Location2.3 MI East of JCT Ky 217
RouteState Highway 987
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.70417, -83.51611
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic319 (2023)
Projected traffic319 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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-987 over Blacksnake Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-987 over Blacksnake 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-987 over Blacksnake Creek carry?

About 319 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-987 over Blacksnake Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns KY-987 over Blacksnake Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.