US Bridges

KY-474 over Smith Creek

FairPosted for load

Carter County, Kentucky · 3.3 MI West of JCT Ky 2 · Structure no. 022B00056N

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
114
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-474 over Smith Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-474 over Smith Creek in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 114 vehicles a day, projected to reach 114 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-474
CrossesSmith Creek
Location3.3 MI West of JCT Ky 2
RouteState Highway 474
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.44917, -83.17472
Functional classRural Local

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic114 (2023)
Projected traffic114 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-474 over Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-474 over Smith 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does KY-474 over Smith Creek carry?

About 114 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-474 over Smith Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-474 over Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.