US Bridges

KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie

Fair

Carter County, Kentucky · .25 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 986 · Structure no. 022B00019N

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
698 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,232
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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.

It carries about 3,232 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,232 by 2042. The structure is 698 ft (212.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesClifty Creek Naer Sophie
Location.25 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 986
RouteState Highway 7
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.22889, -83.01306
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating44.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length698 ft (212.9 m)
Longest span115 ft (35.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 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
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Clifty Creek Naer Sophie built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie carry?

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

How long is KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie?

The structure is 698 ft (212.9 m) long with a longest span of 115 ft (35.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Clifty Creek Naer Sophie?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.