US Bridges

KY-97 over Sand Fork Creek

Fair

Graves County, Kentucky · .5 MI N of JCT Ky 1270 · Structure no. 042B00056N

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
84 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
681
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-97 over Sand Fork Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-97 over Sand Fork 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 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-97
CrossesSand Fork Creek
Location.5 MI N of JCT Ky 1270
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.51639, -88.49167
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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating91.1 US tons
Inventory rating54.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span79 ft (24.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 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 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 KY-97 over Sand Fork Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-97 over Sand Fork 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 2024.

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

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

How long is KY-97 over Sand Fork Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 79 ft (24.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-97 over Sand Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.