US Bridges

KY-7 over Arnold Fork

PoorPosted for load

Knott County, Kentucky · .10 MI N of JCT Ky 1498 · Structure no. 060B00016N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
572
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Arnold Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-7 over Arnold Fork in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 572 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 572 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesArnold Fork
Location.10 MI N of JCT Ky 1498
RouteState Highway 7
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.2975, -82.76667
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic572 (2020)
Projected traffic572 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Arnold Fork built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Arnold Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Arnold Fork carry?

About 572 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Arnold Fork?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Arnold Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.