US Bridges

US-127 over Big Sugar Creek

Fair

Gallatin County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI N.E. of I-71 Ntrch · Structure no. 039B00008N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,818
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-127 over Big Sugar Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-127 over Big Sugar Creek in Gallatin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,818 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,818 by 2041. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-127
CrossesBig Sugar Creek
Location1.0 MI N.E. of I-71 Ntrch
RouteU.S. Route 127
CountyGallatin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.75694, -84.82806
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,818 (2021)
Projected traffic1,818 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$375,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-127 over Big Sugar Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-127 over Big Sugar 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does US-127 over Big Sugar Creek carry?

About 1,818 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-127 over Big Sugar Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US-127 over Big Sugar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.