US Bridges

KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch

FairPosted for load

Union County, Kentucky · .90 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 270 · Structure no. 113B00010N

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
201
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch in Union County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 85 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 201 vehicles a day, projected to reach 201 by 2043. The structure is 64 ft (19.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-1177
CrossesSmiths Ditch
Location.90 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 270
RouteState Highway 1177
CountyUnion County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.56194, -87.92028
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length64 ft (19.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic201 (2023)
Projected traffic201 by 2043
Trucks0%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch carry?

About 201 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch?

The structure is 64 ft (19.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-1177 over Smiths Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.