US Bridges

KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek

Fair

Letcher County, Kentucky · .60 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 931 · Structure no. 067B00054N

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
129 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,647
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 1,647 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,647 by 2043. The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-7
CrossesRockhouse Creek
Location.60 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 931
RouteState Highway 7
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.20611, -82.85861
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
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 rating74.3 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length129 ft (39.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,647 (2023)
Projected traffic1,647 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-7 over Rockhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

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

About 1,647 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek?

The structure is 129 ft (39.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.