US Bridges

US-60 over Smiths Branch

GoodPosted for load

Carter County, Kentucky · 1.5 MI W of JCT Ky 1947 · Structure no. 022B00044N

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,812
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-60 over Smiths Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US-60 over Smiths Branch in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,812 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,812 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 99 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

CarriesUS-60
CrossesSmiths Branch
Location1.5 MI W of JCT Ky 1947
RouteU.S. Route 60
Coordinates38.32667, -83.02194
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.8 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,812 (2023)
Projected traffic1,812 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US-60 over Smiths Branch built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-60 over Smiths 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US-60 over Smiths Branch carry?

About 1,812 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US-60 over Smiths Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.8 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns US-60 over Smiths Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.