US Bridges

US 421 over Branch of Island Creek

Fair

Clay County, Kentucky · 2.2 M N of JCT Ky 638 · Structure no. 026B00120N

Built
2021
4 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,229
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Branch of Island Creek is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 421 over Branch of Island Creek in Clay County, Kentucky. It was built in 2021, so it is 4 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 5,229 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,229 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesBranch of Island Creek
Location2.2 M N of JCT Ky 638
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyClay County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.19278, -83.77972
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length25 ft (7.7 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 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 closed9.9 mi (16 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 Branch of Island Creek built?

It was built in 2021, making it 4 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 over Branch of Island 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 421 over Branch of Island Creek carry?

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

How long is US 421 over Branch of Island Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.7 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Branch of Island Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.