US Bridges

US-25W over Watts Creek

FairPosted for load

Whitley County, Kentucky · .05 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 26 · Structure no. 118B00032N

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
190 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,931
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-25W over Watts Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US-25W over Watts Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 6,931 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,931 by 2043. The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 22 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-25W
CrossesWatts Creek
Location.05 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 26
RouteU.S. Route 25
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.7675, -84.15194
Functional classRural Major 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,931 (2023)
Projected traffic6,931 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$518,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-25W over Watts Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-25W over Watts 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does US-25W over Watts Creek carry?

About 6,931 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US-25W over Watts Creek?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns US-25W over Watts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.