US Bridges

KY-70 over Hatter Branch

Fair

Casey County, Kentucky · .05 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 501 · Structure no. 023B00008N

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
753
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Hatter Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-70 over Hatter Branch in Casey County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 95 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 753 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 753 by 2041. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-70
CrossesHatter Branch
Location.05 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 501
RouteState Highway 70
CountyCasey County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.32333, -84.82556
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.2 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic753 (2021)
Projected traffic753 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$197,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Hatter Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is KY-70 over Hatter 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Hatter Branch carry?

About 753 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Hatter Branch?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Hatter Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.