US Bridges

US-421 over Spencers Branch

PoorPosted for load

Clay County, Kentucky · .75 MI West of Leslie Cl · Structure no. 026B00014N

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,224
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Spencers Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US-421 over Spencers Branch in Clay County, Kentucky. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,224 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,224 by 2042. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS-421
CrossesSpencers Branch
Location.75 MI West of Leslie Cl
RouteU.S. Route 421
Coordinates37.16167, -83.56389
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,224 (2022)
Projected traffic1,224 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-421 over Spencers Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Spencers Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does US-421 over Spencers Branch carry?

About 1,224 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Spencers Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-421 over Spencers Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.