US Bridges

US 421 over Hickman Branch

Fair

Franklin County, Kentucky · 1.25 MI N of Woodford Cl · Structure no. 037B00010N

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,317
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Hickman Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 421 over Hickman Branch in Franklin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 6,317 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,317 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 174 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesHickman Branch
Location1.25 MI N of Woodford Cl
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyFranklin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.18472, -84.79
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating110 US tons
Inventory rating110 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width174 ft (53 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,317 (2021)
Projected traffic6,317 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 US 421 over Hickman Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 over Hickman 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 421 over Hickman Branch carry?

About 6,317 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Hickman Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 174 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Hickman Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.