US Bridges

KY-1344 over Sam Low Branch

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI S.E. of JCT US 119 · Structure no. 007B00058N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
422
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1344 over Sam Low Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-1344 over Sam Low Branch 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 422 vehicles a day, projected to reach 422 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-1344
CrossesSam Low Branch
Location1.2 MI S.E. of JCT US 119
RouteState Highway 1344
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.72083, -83.60889
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 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating48.3 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 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 traffic422 (2022)
Projected traffic422 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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-1344 over Sam Low Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-1344 over Sam Low 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-1344 over Sam Low Branch carry?

About 422 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-1344 over Sam Low Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns KY-1344 over Sam Low Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.