US Bridges

KY-70 over Tradewater River

Fair

Hopkins County, Kentucky · .10 MI East of Caldwell C · Structure no. 054B00090N

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
174 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
254
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Tradewater River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-70 over Tradewater River in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 254 vehicles a day, projected to reach 254 by 2039. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-70
CrossesTradewater River
Location.10 MI East of Caldwell C
RouteState Highway 70
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.27528, -87.79639
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic254 (2019)
Projected traffic254 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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-70 over Tradewater River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over Tradewater River 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 May 2021.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Tradewater River carry?

About 254 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is KY-70 over Tradewater River?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Tradewater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.