US Bridges

KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 0.55 MI W of JCT Ky 317 · Structure no. 067B00060N

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
619
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 1951, so it is 74 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 619 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 619 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-7
CrossesRockhouse Creek
Location0.55 MI W of JCT Ky 317
RouteState Highway 7
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.23917, -82.78111
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 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 rating52.4 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic619 (2023)
Projected traffic619 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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-7 over Rockhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek carry?

About 619 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-7 over Rockhouse Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.