US Bridges

KY-26 over Watts Creek

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · .8 Mi. Nor JCT Ky 779 · Structure no. 118B00095N

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
177 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,863
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-26 over Watts Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-26 over Watts Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 1,863 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,863 by 2042. The structure is 177 ft (53.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-26
CrossesWatts Creek
Location.8 Mi. Nor JCT Ky 779
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.78611, -84.135
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72.9 US tons
Inventory rating43.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length177 ft (53.8 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,863 (2022)
Projected traffic1,863 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-26 over Watts Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-26 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 KY-26 over Watts Creek carry?

About 1,863 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-26 over Watts Creek?

The structure is 177 ft (53.8 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-26 over Watts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.