US Bridges

KY-974 over Combs Branch

FairPosted for load

Clark County, Kentucky · .6 MI W of JCT Ky 1960 · Structure no. 025B00070N

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,177
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-974 over Combs Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-974 over Combs Branch in Clark County, Kentucky. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 1,177 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,177 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-974
CrossesCombs Branch
Location.6 MI W of JCT Ky 1960
RouteState Highway 974
CountyClark County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.95167, -83.99361
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 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 rating56.9 US tons
Inventory rating34.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,177 (2023)
Projected traffic1,177 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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-974 over Combs Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-974 over Combs 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does KY-974 over Combs Branch carry?

About 1,177 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-974 over Combs Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-974 over Combs Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.