US Bridges

KY-7 over Little Sandy River

Fair

Carter County, Kentucky · .02 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 773 · Structure no. 022B00112N

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
306 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,903
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Little Sandy River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-7 over Little Sandy River in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 7,903 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,903 by 2041. The structure is 306 ft (93.2 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesLittle Sandy River
Location.02 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 773
RouteState Highway 7
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.31472, -82.95583
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.6 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.2 m)
Longest span123 ft (37.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,903 (2021)
Projected traffic7,903 by 2041
Trucks10%
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-7 over Little Sandy River built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Little Sandy River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Little Sandy River carry?

About 7,903 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Little Sandy River?

The structure is 306 ft (93.2 m) long with a longest span of 123 ft (37.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Little Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.