US Bridges

KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek

FairPosted for load

Clark County, Kentucky · 0.5 M W of Dry Fork RD · Structure no. 025B00089N

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 2006
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
82 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek in Clark County, Kentucky. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 2006, so it is 80 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2041. The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-974
CrossesUpper Howard Creek
Location0.5 M W of Dry Fork RD
RouteState Highway 974
CountyClark County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.8975, -84.12694
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating23.4 US tons
Inventory rating14 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckAluminum
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length82 ft (25 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.2 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2021)
Projected traffic55 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$287,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2006.

What condition is KY-974 over Upper Howard 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek?

The structure is 82 ft (25 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.2 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns KY-974 over Upper Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.