US Bridges

KY-973 over Br of Rocky Creek

Fair

Muhlenberg County, Kentucky · 1.8 MI West of JCT US 431 · Structure no. 089B00083N

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
464
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-973 over Br of Rocky Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-973 over Br of Rocky Creek in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 464 vehicles a day, projected to reach 464 by 2041. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-973
CrossesBr of Rocky Creek
Location1.8 MI West of JCT US 431
RouteState Highway 973
CountyMuhlenberg County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.09056, -87.02639
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic464 (2021)
Projected traffic464 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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-973 over Br of Rocky Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-973 over Br of Rocky 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 September 2021.

How much traffic does KY-973 over Br of Rocky Creek carry?

About 464 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-973 over Br of Rocky Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns KY-973 over Br of Rocky Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.