US Bridges

Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Kentucky · .5 MI N of JCT CR 1040 · Structure no. 117C00005N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
145
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek 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 6 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 145 vehicles a day, projected to reach 145 by 2031. The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesWatkins School Roa
CrossesGraves Creek
Location.5 MI N of JCT CR 1040
RouteCounty Highway 1042
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.63167, -87.55583
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length115 ft (35.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic145 (2011)
Projected traffic145 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek built?

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

What condition is Watkins School Roa over Graves 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek carry?

About 145 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek?

The structure is 115 ft (35.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Watkins School Roa over Graves Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.