US Bridges

KY-779 over Cotton Creek

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · .05 MI SE of JCT Ky 1418 · Structure no. 118B00075N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
760
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-779 over Cotton Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-779 over Cotton Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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.

It carries about 760 vehicles a day, projected to reach 760 by 2041. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-779
CrossesCotton Creek
Location.05 MI SE of JCT Ky 1418
RouteState Highway 779
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.79361, -84.01944
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic760 (2021)
Projected traffic760 by 2041
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-779 over Cotton Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-779 over Cotton 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 KY-779 over Cotton Creek carry?

About 760 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-779 over Cotton Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-779 over Cotton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.