US Bridges

KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek

GoodPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .10 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 510 · Structure no. 048B00062N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
221
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek in Harlan 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 221 vehicles a day, projected to reach 221 by 2041. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-221
CrossesBig Laurel Creek
Location.10 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 510
RouteState Highway 221
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.95194, -83.1875
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic221 (2021)
Projected traffic221 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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-221 over Big Laurel Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek carry?

About 221 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.