US Bridges

KY-1533 over Difficult Creek

FairPosted for load

Allen County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI S of JCT Ky 252 · Structure no. 002B00032N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,079
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1533 over Difficult Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-1533 over Difficult Creek in Allen County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,079 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,079 by 2042. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-1533
CrossesDifficult Creek
Location1.0 MI S of JCT Ky 252
RouteState Highway 1533
CountyAllen County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.88917, -86.14583
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.1 US tons
Inventory rating39.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,079 (2022)
Projected traffic1,079 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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-1533 over Difficult Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-1533 over Difficult 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-1533 over Difficult Creek carry?

About 1,079 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-1533 over Difficult Creek?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-1533 over Difficult Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.