US Bridges

KY-7 over Little Sandy River

Fair

Carter County, Kentucky · 3.6 MI S of JCT US 60 · Structure no. 022B00130N

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
331 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,678
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Little Sandy River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-7 over Little Sandy River in Carter County, Kentucky. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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.

It carries about 4,678 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,678 by 2043. The structure is 331 ft (100.9 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesLittle Sandy River
Location3.6 MI S of JCT US 60
RouteState Highway 7
CountyCarter County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.28694, -82.96889
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating71.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length331 ft (100.9 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,678 (2023)
Projected traffic4,678 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
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 1975, making it 50 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 2022.

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

About 4,678 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Little Sandy River?

The structure is 331 ft (100.9 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Little Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.