US Bridges

KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek

Fair

Simpson County, Kentucky · .15 MI N of JCT W/Ky 100 · Structure no. 107B00005N

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
212 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,784
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek in Simpson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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.

It carries about 2,784 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,784 by 2043. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-73
CrossesW Fk Drakes Creek
Location.15 MI N of JCT W/Ky 100
RouteState Highway 73
CountySimpson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.71861, -86.54556
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,784 (2023)
Projected traffic2,784 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$742,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-73 over W Fk Drakes 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek carry?

About 2,784 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-73 over W Fk Drakes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.