US Bridges

KY-97 over Sand Creek

Fair

Graves County, Kentucky · .6 MI N of JCT Ky 1270 · Structure no. 042B00055N

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
681
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-97 over Sand Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-97 over Sand Creek in Graves County, Kentucky. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 681 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 681 by 2041. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-97
CrossesSand Creek
Location.6 MI N of JCT Ky 1270
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.5175, -88.49139
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic681 (2021)
Projected traffic681 by 2041
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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-97 over Sand Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-97 over Sand 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-97 over Sand Creek carry?

About 681 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is KY-97 over Sand Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns KY-97 over Sand Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.