US Bridges

KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Kentucky · 2.5 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 132 · Structure no. 117B00050N

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1955
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
83 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
221
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1955, so it is 103 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 83 ft (25.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-270
CrossesCrab Orchard Creek
Location2.5 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 132
RouteState Highway 270
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.46222, -87.77944
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckAluminum
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length83 ft (25.3 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$287,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1955.

What condition is KY-270 over Crab Orchard 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek carry?

About 221 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek?

The structure is 83 ft (25.3 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-270 over Crab Orchard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.