US Bridges

KY-70 over S Fk Little Barren River

FairPosted for load

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · 0.76 MI E of JCT W/Ky 869 · Structure no. 085B00020N

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
318 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
591
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over S Fk Little Barren River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-70 over S Fk Little Barren River in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 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 591 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 591 by 2042. The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-70
CrossesS Fk Little Barren River
Location0.76 MI E of JCT W/Ky 869
RouteState Highway 70
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.10028, -85.63472
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 20
Structure length318 ft (96.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic591 (2022)
Projected traffic591 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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-70 over S Fk Little Barren River built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over S Fk Little Barren River 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 S Fk Little Barren River carry?

About 591 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over S Fk Little Barren River?

The structure is 318 ft (96.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over S Fk Little Barren River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.