US Bridges

KY-26 over Watts Creek

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · .15 Mi. N.E. Ky 511 · Structure no. 118B00097N

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
63 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,590
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-26 over Watts Creek is a prestressed concrete 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 2,590 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,590 by 2042. The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-26
CrossesWatts Creek
Location.15 Mi. N.E. Ky 511
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.82833, -84.11722
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,590 (2022)
Projected traffic2,590 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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 2021.

How much traffic does KY-26 over Watts Creek carry?

About 2,590 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-26 over Watts Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-26 over Watts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.