US Bridges

KY-270 over Drainage Ditch

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Kentucky · 2.4 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 132 · Structure no. 117B00049N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
51 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
221
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-270 over Drainage Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-270 over Drainage Ditch in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 221 vehicles a day, projected to reach 221 by 2043. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-270
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location2.4 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 132
RouteState Highway 270
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.46361, -87.78083
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length51 ft (15.5 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic221 (2023)
Projected traffic221 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-270 over Drainage 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 November 2024.

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

About 221 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-270 over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-270 over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.