US Bridges

KY-160 over Smoot Creek

Fair

Letcher County, Kentucky · .60 MI N of JCT Ky 588 · Structure no. 067B00029N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
910
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-160 over Smoot Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-160 over Smoot Creek in Letcher 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.

It carries about 910 vehicles a day, projected to reach 910 by 2038. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-160
CrossesSmoot Creek
Location.60 MI N of JCT Ky 588
RouteState Highway 160
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.12778, -82.91694
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic910 (2018)
Projected traffic910 by 2038
Trucks0%
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-160 over Smoot Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-160 over Smoot 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 May 2022.

How much traffic does KY-160 over Smoot Creek carry?

About 910 vehicles per day (2018 count).

How long is KY-160 over Smoot Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns KY-160 over Smoot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.