US Bridges

KY-79 over Short Creek

Fair

Grayson County, Kentucky · .05 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 54 · Structure no. 043B00052N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
904
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-79 over Short Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-79 over Short 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 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-79
CrossesShort Creek
Location.05 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 54
RouteState Highway 79
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.5275, -86.47444
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 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 closed19.3 mi (31 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 Short Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-79 over Short 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 2022.

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

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

How long is KY-79 over Short Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-79 over Short Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.