US Bridges

KY-160 over Kings Creek

PoorPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 2.3 MI SE of JCT Ky 588 · Structure no. 067B00032N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
117 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 1934, so it is 91 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. 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 117 ft (35.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-160
CrossesKings Creek
Location2.3 MI SE of JCT Ky 588
RouteState Highway 160
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.09167, -82.92167
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length117 ft (35.7 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 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 closed6.8 mi (11 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 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-160 over Kings Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

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 117 ft (35.7 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-160 over Kings Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.