US Bridges

KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek

Fair

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · 0.50 MI E of Barren C.L. · Structure no. 085B00019N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
49 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,164
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 1,164 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,164 by 2042. The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

No coordinates are recorded for this structure.

CarriesKY-70
CrossesBlue Spring Creek
Location0.50 MI E of Barren C.L.
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 rating64.9 US tons
Inventory rating39 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length49 ft (14.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,164 (2022)
Projected traffic1,164 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$129,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over Blue Spring 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek carry?

About 1,164 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek?

The structure is 49 ft (14.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Blue Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.