US Bridges

KY-26 over Br of Watts Creek

GoodPosted for load

Whitley County, Kentucky · 2.3 Mi.Nor Ky 511 · Structure no. 118B00098N

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,590
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-26 over Br of Watts Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-26 over Br of 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,590 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,590 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-26
CrossesBr of Watts Creek
Location2.3 Mi.Nor Ky 511
RouteState Highway 26
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.85917, -84.11806
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 closed3.1 mi (5 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 Br of Watts Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-26 over Br of Watts Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

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

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

How long is KY-26 over Br of Watts Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns KY-26 over Br of Watts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.