US Bridges

KY-3 over Laurel Creek

FairPosted for load

Boyd County, Kentucky · .65 MI N.E. of JCT Ky 180 · Structure no. 010B00043N

Built
1923
102 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
744
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-3 over Laurel Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-3 over Laurel Creek in Boyd County, Kentucky. It was built in 1923, so it is 102 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 744 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 744 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-3
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location.65 MI N.E. of JCT Ky 180
RouteState Highway 3
CountyBoyd County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.36306, -82.68861
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.6 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic744 (2022)
Projected traffic744 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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$67,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-3 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-3 over Laurel 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does KY-3 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 744 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-3 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-3 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.