US Bridges

KY-7 over Elk Creek

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · @jct of Ky 3408 · Structure no. 067B00040N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
692
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Elk Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-7 over Elk 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 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 692 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 692 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesElk Creek
Location@jct of Ky 3408
RouteState Highway 7
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.13861, -82.98889
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic692 (2023)
Projected traffic692 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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$86,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-7 over Elk Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-7 over Elk 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-7 over Elk Creek carry?

About 692 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Elk Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Elk Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.