US Bridges

KY-7 over Little Sandy River

Fair

Elliott County, Kentucky · On Carter - Elliott Cl · Structure no. 032B00002N

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
561 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,396
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Little Sandy River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-7 over Little Sandy River in Elliott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 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 2,396 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,396 by 2042. The structure is 561 ft (171 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesLittle Sandy River
LocationOn Carter - Elliott Cl
RouteState Highway 7
CountyElliott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.20389, -83.01389
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.
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 inspectionJuly 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length561 ft (171 m)
Longest span161 ft (49.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,396 (2022)
Projected traffic2,396 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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 KY-7 over Little Sandy River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Little Sandy River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Little Sandy River carry?

About 2,396 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Little Sandy River?

The structure is 561 ft (171 m) long with a longest span of 161 ft (49.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Little Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.