US Bridges

KY-69 over Smith Creek

FairPosted for load

Ohio County, Kentucky · 3.0 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 54 · Structure no. 092B00015N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
130 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,521
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-69 over Smith Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-69 over Smith Creek in Ohio County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 1,521 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,521 by 2039. The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-69
CrossesSmith Creek
Location3.0 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 54
RouteState Highway 69
CountyOhio County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.60167, -86.74889
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length130 ft (39.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,521 (2019)
Projected traffic1,521 by 2039
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 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$341,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-69 over Smith Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-69 over Smith 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-69 over Smith Creek carry?

About 1,521 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-69 over Smith Creek?

The structure is 130 ft (39.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-69 over Smith Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.