US Bridges

KY-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek

FairPosted for load

McCreary County, Kentucky · 1.3 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 741 · Structure no. 074B00011N

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
148 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
532
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek in McCreary County, Kentucky. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 532 vehicles a day, projected to reach 532 by 2043. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-742
CrossesRoaring Paunch Creek
Location1.3 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 741
RouteState Highway 742
CountyMcCreary County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.66917, -84.49417
Functional classRural Minor 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 inspectionFebruary 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.8 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic532 (2023)
Projected traffic532 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-742 over Roaring Paunch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek carry?

About 532 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-742 over Roaring Paunch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.