US Bridges

US-421 over Short Creek

FairPosted for load

Leslie County, Kentucky · .50 MI SE of JCT Ky 2431 · Structure no. 066B00005N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,823
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Short Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US-421 over Short Creek in Leslie 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,823 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,823 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesShort Creek
Location.50 MI SE of JCT Ky 2431
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyLeslie County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.14111, -83.38028
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating95.7 US tons
Inventory rating57.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 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 traffic2,823 (2022)
Projected traffic2,823 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 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 US-421 over Short Creek built?

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

What condition is US-421 over Short 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US-421 over Short Creek carry?

About 2,823 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Short Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US-421 over Short Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.