US Bridges

KY-7 over Bates Branch

FairPosted for load

Knott County, Kentucky · 0.1 MI N of JCT Ky 582 · Structure no. 060B00015N

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
884
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Bates Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-7 over Bates Branch in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 884 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 884 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesBates Branch
Location0.1 MI N of JCT Ky 582
RouteState Highway 7
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.32167, -82.80333
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic884 (2023)
Projected traffic884 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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-7 over Bates Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Bates Branch 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Bates Branch carry?

About 884 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Bates Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns KY-7 over Bates Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.