US Bridges

KY-979 over Clear Creek

Fair

Floyd County, Kentucky · 1.7 MI SE of JCT KY122 · Structure no. 036B00094N

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
940
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-979 over Clear Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-979 over Clear Creek in Floyd County, Kentucky. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 940 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 940 by 2041. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-979
CrossesClear Creek
Location1.7 MI SE of JCT KY122
RouteState Highway 979
CountyFloyd County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.37889, -82.70472
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating84.5 US tons
Inventory rating50.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic940 (2021)
Projected traffic940 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$58,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-979 over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-979 over Clear 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does KY-979 over Clear Creek carry?

About 940 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-979 over Clear Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-979 over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.