US Bridges

KY-974 over Howard Creek

Fair

Clark County, Kentucky · 3.8 Miles W. of JCT Ky 89 · Structure no. 025B00102N

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
55
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-974 over Howard Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-974 over Howard Creek in Clark County, Kentucky. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger 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 55 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2041. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 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
CrossesHoward Creek
Location3.8 Miles W. of JCT Ky 89
RouteState Highway 974
CountyClark County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.89028, -84.12667
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.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating107.4 US tons
Inventory rating64.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.4 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 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 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 Howard Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-974 over 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 2023.

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

About 55 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-974 over Howard Creek?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.4 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns KY-974 over Howard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.