US Bridges

KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .05 MI S of JCT Ky 2008 · Structure no. 048B00064N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
3 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 221 vehicles a day, projected to reach 221 by 2041. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-221
CrossesBig Laurel Creek
Location.05 MI S of JCT Ky 2008
RouteState Highway 221
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.97917, -83.21889
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum 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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 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 closed6.2 mi (10 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 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 Big Laurel Creek carry?

About 221 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-221 over Big Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.