US Bridges

KY-70 over Sam Branch

Fair

Pulaski County, Kentucky · .10 MI West of JCT Ky 635 · Structure no. 100B00040N

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2022
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
692
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-70 over Sam Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-70 over Sam Branch in Pulaski County, Kentucky. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 692 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 692 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-70
CrossesSam Branch
Location.10 MI West of JCT Ky 635
RouteState Highway 70
CountyPulaski County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.23167, -84.72111
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2022
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic692 (2022)
Projected traffic692 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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 Sam Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-70 over Sam Branch 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 2022.

How much traffic does KY-70 over Sam Branch carry?

About 692 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-70 over Sam Branch?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-70 over Sam Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.