US Bridges

KY-70 over Bear Creek

Fair

Edmonson County, Kentucky · 0.4 M E of JCT KY-187 · Structure no. 031B00008N

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
215 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,376
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-70 over Bear Creek in Edmonson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 92 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 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 1,376 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,376 by 2042. The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-70
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.4 M E of JCT KY-187
RouteState Highway 70
CountyEdmonson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.24889, -86.36111
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.5 US tons
Inventory rating52.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length215 ft (65.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,376 (2022)
Projected traffic1,376 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed23 mi (37 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-70 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is KY-70 over Bear 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Bear Creek carry?

About 1,376 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.