US Bridges

US-421 over Sand Lick Creek

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI NW of W-Jct Ky 89 · Structure no. 055B00002N

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,123
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Sand Lick Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-421 over Sand Lick Creek in Jackson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 3,123 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,123 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesSand Lick Creek
Location2.0 MI NW of W-Jct Ky 89
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyJackson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.45605, -84.02092
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating57.2 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,123 (2023)
Projected traffic3,123 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$107,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-421 over Sand Lick Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Sand Lick 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 2024.

How much traffic does US-421 over Sand Lick Creek carry?

About 3,123 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Sand Lick Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US-421 over Sand Lick Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.