US Bridges

KY-7 over Doctors Branch

Fair

Elliott County, Kentucky · .60 MI West of JCT Ky 650 · Structure no. 032B00007N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
45 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,581
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Doctors Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-7 over Doctors Branch in Elliott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 1,581 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,581 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesDoctors Branch
Location.60 MI West of JCT Ky 650
RouteState Highway 7
CountyElliott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.06778, -83.16611
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.3 US tons
Inventory rating49.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,581 (2022)
Projected traffic1,581 by 2042
Trucks12%
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 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 Doctors Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Doctors Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Doctors Branch carry?

About 1,581 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Doctors Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Doctors Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.