US Bridges

KY-97 over Ford Creek

FairPosted for load

Graves County, Kentucky · .75 MI S of JCT Ky 1890 · Structure no. 042B00059N

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
73 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,893
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-97 over Ford Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-97 over Ford Creek in Graves County, Kentucky. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,893 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,893 by 2042. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-97
CrossesFord Creek
Location.75 MI S of JCT Ky 1890
RouteState Highway 97
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.6675, -88.61444
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.2 US tons
Inventory rating21.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.5 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,893 (2022)
Projected traffic1,893 by 2042
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$219,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-97 over Ford Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-97 over Ford 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 Ford Creek carry?

About 1,893 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-97 over Ford Creek?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.5 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns KY-97 over Ford Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.