US Bridges

KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Kentucky · 2 MI SW of JCT Ky 2523 · Structure no. 068B00037N

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,163
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch in Lewis County, Kentucky. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 5,163 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,163 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.9 mi (53 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-9
CrossesBlue Spring Branch
Location2 MI SW of JCT Ky 2523
RouteState Highway 9
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.58667, -83.37417
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,163 (2023)
Projected traffic5,163 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.9 mi (53 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-9 over Blue Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch carry?

About 5,163 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m).

Who owns KY-9 over Blue Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.