US Bridges

KY-270 over Smith Ditch

PoorPosted for load

Union County, Kentucky · 1.1 MI West of JCT Ky 141 · Structure no. 113B00056N

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
75 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
678
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-270 over Smith Ditch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-270 over Smith Ditch in Union County, Kentucky. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 678 vehicles a day, projected to reach 678 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-270
CrossesSmith Ditch
Location1.1 MI West of JCT Ky 141
RouteState Highway 270
CountyUnion County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.54833, -87.92333
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span72 ft (21.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic678 (2023)
Projected traffic678 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 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-270 over Smith Ditch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-270 over Smith Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does KY-270 over Smith Ditch carry?

About 678 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-270 over Smith Ditch?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 72 ft (21.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-270 over Smith Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.