US Bridges

KY-270 over Mitchell Ditch

Fair

Webster County, Kentucky · 2.8 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 132 · Structure no. 117B00059N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
99 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
511
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-270 over Mitchell Ditch is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-270 over Mitchell Ditch in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 511 vehicles a day, projected to reach 511 by 2041. The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-270
CrossesMitchell Ditch
Location2.8 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 132
RouteState Highway 270
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.52361, -87.81972
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.2 US tons
Inventory rating43.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic511 (2021)
Projected traffic511 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$259,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-270 over Mitchell Ditch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-270 over Mitchell 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 Mitchell Ditch carry?

About 511 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-270 over Mitchell Ditch?

The structure is 99 ft (30.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-270 over Mitchell Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.