US Bridges

US-421 over Laurel Creek

Fair

Clay County, Kentucky · 5.6 Mi. N.Cl -Manchester · Structure no. 026B00105N

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2022
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,229
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Laurel Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-421 over Laurel Creek in Clay County, Kentucky. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 6 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 5,229 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,229 by 2043. The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location5.6 Mi. N.Cl -Manchester
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyClay County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.23, -83.78333
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length47 ft (14.4 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,229 (2023)
Projected traffic5,229 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 US-421 over Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Laurel 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 August 2022.

How much traffic does US-421 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 5,229 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 47 ft (14.4 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US-421 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.