US Bridges

KY-160 over Looney Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .50 MI S.E. of US 119 UP · Structure no. 048B00007N

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
373 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
2,691
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-160 over Looney Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-160 over Looney Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,691 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,691 by 2043. The structure is 373 ft (113.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-160
CrossesLooney Creek
Location.50 MI S.E. of US 119 UP
RouteState Highway 160
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.97139, -82.96833
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length373 ft (113.7 m)
Longest span238 ft (72.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,691 (2023)
Projected traffic2,691 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-160 over Looney Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-160 over Looney 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-160 over Looney Creek carry?

About 2,691 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-160 over Looney Creek?

The structure is 373 ft (113.7 m) long with a longest span of 238 ft (72.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-160 over Looney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.