US Bridges

KY-261 over Hopper Branch

Good

Breckinridge County, Kentucky · .50 MI East of JCT Ky 629 · Structure no. 014B00008N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,260
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-261 over Hopper Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-261 over Hopper Branch in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,260 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,260 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 10.6 mi (17 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-261
CrossesHopper Branch
Location.50 MI East of JCT Ky 629
RouteState Highway 261
CountyBreckinridge County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.69639, -86.57111
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.1 US tons
Inventory rating59.2 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 traffic1,260 (2023)
Projected traffic1,260 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed10.6 mi (17 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-261 over Hopper Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-261 over Hopper Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2022.

How much traffic does KY-261 over Hopper Branch carry?

About 1,260 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is KY-261 over Hopper Branch?

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

Who owns KY-261 over Hopper Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.