US Bridges

KY-221 over Little Laurel Creek

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · 1.5 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 510 · Structure no. 048B00063N

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

About this bridge

KY-221 over Little Laurel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-221 over Little 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 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 221 vehicles a day, projected to reach 221 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 23 mi (37 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-221
CrossesLittle Laurel Creek
Location1.5 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 510
RouteState Highway 221
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.96361, -83.20306
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 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 closed23 mi (37 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 Little Laurel Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-221 over Little Laurel 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-221 over Little Laurel Creek carry?

About 221 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-221 over Little Laurel Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns KY-221 over Little Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.