US Bridges

KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek

Fair

Johnson County, Kentucky · 0.02 MI E of JCT Ky 469 · Structure no. 058B00014N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,082
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek in Johnson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 1,082 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,082 by 2040. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-172
CrossesUpper Laurel Creek
Location0.02 MI E of JCT Ky 469
RouteState Highway 172
CountyJohnson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.94056, -82.95139
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating41.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,082 (2020)
Projected traffic1,082 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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$173,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-172 over Upper 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek carry?

About 1,082 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-172 over Upper Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.