US Bridges

US-421 over Rockhouse Creek

FairPosted for load

Leslie County, Kentucky · .35 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 118 · Structure no. 066B00014N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
75 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,176
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Rockhouse Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-421 over Rockhouse Creek in Leslie County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 2,176 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,176 by 2041. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesRockhouse Creek
Location.35 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 118
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyLeslie County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.155, -83.385
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,176 (2021)
Projected traffic2,176 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$216,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-421 over Rockhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Rockhouse 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 Rockhouse Creek carry?

About 2,176 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Rockhouse Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns US-421 over Rockhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.