US Bridges

KY-70 over Welch Creek

FairPosted for load

Butler County, Kentucky · 1 MI E of JCT Ky 340 · Structure no. 016B00010N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
232 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,262
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Welch Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-70 over Welch Creek in Butler County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,262 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,262 by 2041. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-70
CrossesWelch Creek
Location1 MI E of JCT Ky 340
RouteState Highway 70
CountyButler County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.26194, -86.59583
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 20
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,262 (2021)
Projected traffic1,262 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$693,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Welch Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over Welch 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Welch Creek carry?

About 1,262 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Welch Creek?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Welch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.