US Bridges

KY-79 over Dry Creek

Fair

Grayson County, Kentucky · 1.7 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 54 · Structure no. 043B00051N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
904
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-79 over Dry Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-79 over Dry Creek in Grayson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 904 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 904 by 2040. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-79
CrossesDry Creek
Location1.7 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 54
RouteState Highway 79
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.50333, -86.47222
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic904 (2020)
Projected traffic904 by 2040
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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-79 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-79 over Dry 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-79 over Dry Creek carry?

About 904 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-79 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m).

Who owns KY-79 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.