US Bridges

KY-7 over Clarks Branch

FairPosted for load

Carter County, Kentucky · 2.8 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 2 · Structure no. 022B00051N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
724
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Clarks Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-7 over Clarks Branch in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 724 vehicles a day, projected to reach 724 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesClarks Branch
Location2.8 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 2
RouteState Highway 7
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.40889, -83.06083
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: 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 rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic724 (2023)
Projected traffic724 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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 Clarks Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Clarks Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Clarks Branch carry?

About 724 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-7 over Clarks Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns KY-7 over Clarks Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.