US Bridges

KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek

FairPosted for load

Christian County, Kentucky · .40 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 272 · Structure no. 024B00034N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
287 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
537
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek in Christian County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 537 vehicles a day, projected to reach 537 by 2042. The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-117
CrossesSinking Fork Creek
Location.40 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 272
RouteState Highway 117
CountyChristian County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.84389, -87.64139
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating23.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length287 ft (87.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic537 (2022)
Projected traffic537 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-117 over Sinking Fork 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek carry?

About 537 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek?

The structure is 287 ft (87.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-117 over Sinking Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.