US Bridges

KY-7 over Caudill Creek

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 1 MI NE of JCT Ky 2036 · Structure no. 067B00042N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,866
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Caudill Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-7 over Caudill Creek in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,866 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,866 by 2041. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesCaudill Creek
Location1 MI NE of JCT Ky 2036
RouteState Highway 7
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.1525, -82.95111
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,866 (2021)
Projected traffic1,866 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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$79,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-7 over Caudill Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

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

About 1,866 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Caudill Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Caudill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.