US Bridges

KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek

FairPosted for load

Pike County, Kentucky · 2.7 MI SW of JCT Ky 80 · Structure no. 098B00060N

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
172 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,736
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek in Pike County, Kentucky. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,736 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,736 by 2043. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-197
CrossesElkhorn Creek
Location2.7 MI SW of JCT Ky 80
RouteState Highway 197
CountyPike County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.27639, -82.3775
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,736 (2023)
Projected traffic2,736 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$516,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-197 over Elkhorn 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek carry?

About 2,736 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-197 over Elkhorn Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.