US Bridges

KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott

PoorPosted for load

Bracken County, Kentucky · 1 MI N of JCT Ky 1011 · Structure no. 012B00017N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
152 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
264
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott in Bracken County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 264 vehicles a day, projected to reach 264 by 2042. The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-1159
CrossesLocust Creek @ Woolcott
Location1 MI N of JCT Ky 1011
RouteState Highway 1159
CountyBracken County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.73389, -84.10083
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length152 ft (46.3 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic264 (2022)
Projected traffic264 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$469,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2023.

How much traffic does KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott carry?

About 264 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott?

The structure is 152 ft (46.3 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-1159 over Locust Creek @ Woolcott?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.