US Bridges

KY-721 over Troublesome Creek

Fair

Knott County, Kentucky · .10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 550 · Structure no. 060B00036N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2021
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
297
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-721 over Troublesome Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-721 over Troublesome Creek in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 297 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 297 by 2041. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-721
CrossesTroublesome Creek
Location.10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 550
RouteState Highway 721
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.335, -83.10139
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 inspectionJune 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.6 US tons
Inventory rating49.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic297 (2021)
Projected traffic297 by 2041
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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-721 over Troublesome Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-721 over Troublesome 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 June 2021.

How much traffic does KY-721 over Troublesome Creek carry?

About 297 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-721 over Troublesome Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns KY-721 over Troublesome Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.