US Bridges

KY-70 over Donaldson Creek

FairPosted for load

Caldwell County, Kentucky · .70 MI West of JCT Ky 139 · Structure no. 017B00044N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
165 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
479
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Donaldson Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-70 over Donaldson Creek in Caldwell 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 479 vehicles a day, projected to reach 479 by 2041. The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-70
CrossesDonaldson Creek
Location.70 MI West of JCT Ky 139
RouteState Highway 70
CountyCaldwell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.24333, -87.915
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 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 rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length165 ft (50.3 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 traffic479 (2021)
Projected traffic479 by 2041
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Donaldson Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-70 over Donaldson 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 January 2023.

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

About 479 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-70 over Donaldson Creek?

The structure is 165 ft (50.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Donaldson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.