US Bridges

KY-986 over Big Sinking Creek

FairPosted for load

Carter County, Kentucky · 2.2 MI NW of JCT Ky 1555 · Structure no. 022B00081N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
345
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-986 over Big Sinking Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-986 over Big Sinking Creek in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 345 vehicles a day, projected to reach 345 by 2042. The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-986
CrossesBig Sinking Creek
Location2.2 MI NW of JCT Ky 1555
RouteState Highway 986
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.24972, -83.11722
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 inspectionMarch 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic345 (2022)
Projected traffic345 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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-986 over Big Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-986 over Big Sinking 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-986 over Big Sinking Creek carry?

About 345 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-986 over Big Sinking Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns KY-986 over Big Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.