US Bridges

KY-160 over Looney Creek

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .35 MI SE of JCT Ky 1254 · Structure no. 048B00092N

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,483
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-160 over Looney Creek is a concrete tee beam 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 6,483 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,483 by 2043. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesKY-160
CrossesLooney Creek
Location.35 MI SE of JCT Ky 1254
RouteState Highway 160
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,483 (2023)
Projected traffic6,483 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$554,000
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 6,483 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-160 over Looney Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns KY-160 over Looney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.