US Bridges

KY-303 over Branch of Kess CR

Fair

Graves County, Kentucky · 1.5 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 121 · Structure no. 042B00080N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,533
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-303 over Branch of Kess CR is a concrete culvert carrying KY-303 over Branch of Kess CR in Graves County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 5,533 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,533 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-303
CrossesBranch of Kess CR
Location1.5 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 121
RouteState Highway 303
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.70861, -88.63222
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.1 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,533 (2023)
Projected traffic5,533 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-303 over Branch of Kess CR built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-303 over Branch of Kess CR 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-303 over Branch of Kess CR carry?

About 5,533 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-303 over Branch of Kess CR?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-303 over Branch of Kess CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.