US Bridges

KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway

Fair

Carter County, Kentucky · .8 MI SW of JCT Ky 1496 · Structure no. 022B00018N

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
294 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,232
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,232 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,232 by 2042. The structure is 294 ft (89.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesGrayson Dam Spillway
Location.8 MI SW of JCT Ky 1496
RouteState Highway 7
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.25083, -82.98944
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length294 ft (89.6 m)
Longest span145 ft (44.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,232 (2022)
Projected traffic3,232 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway carry?

About 3,232 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway?

The structure is 294 ft (89.6 m) long with a longest span of 145 ft (44.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Grayson Dam Spillway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.