US Bridges

KY-21 over Silver Creek

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Kentucky · .15 MI W of JCT 1617 · Structure no. 076B00024N

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
76 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,621
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-21 over Silver Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-21 over Silver Creek in Madison County, Kentucky. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 4,621 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,621 by 2041. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-21
CrossesSilver Creek
Location.15 MI W of JCT 1617
RouteState Highway 21
CountyMadison County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.56389, -84.25917
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span36 ft (11.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,621 (2021)
Projected traffic4,621 by 2041
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$266,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-21 over Silver Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-21 over Silver 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-21 over Silver Creek carry?

About 4,621 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-21 over Silver Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-21 over Silver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.