US Bridges

KY-160 over Kings Creek

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · .80 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 588 · Structure no. 067B00031N

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
116 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
633
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-160 over Kings Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-160 over Kings Creek in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 5 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 633 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 633 by 2040. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

CarriesKY-160
CrossesKings Creek
Location.80 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 588
RouteState Highway 160
Coordinates37.10444, -82.94167
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic633 (2020)
Projected traffic633 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 Kings Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-160 over Kings 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 2024.

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

About 633 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-160 over Kings Creek?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-160 over Kings Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.