US Bridges

KY-21 over Francis Branch

Good

Madison County, Kentucky · 200 E of JCT Old Ky 52 · Structure no. 076B00048N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
474
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-21 over Francis Branch is a masonry culvert carrying KY-21 over Francis Branch in Madison County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 474 vehicles a day, projected to reach 474 by 2040. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-21
CrossesFrancis Branch
Location200 E of JCT Old Ky 52
RouteState Highway 21
CountyMadison County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.61861, -84.40444
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic474 (2020)
Projected traffic474 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-21 over Francis Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-21 over Francis Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-21 over Francis Branch carry?

About 474 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is KY-21 over Francis Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns KY-21 over Francis Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.