US Bridges

KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway

Poor

Anderson County, Kentucky · Ovr Exit 48 Bg Pkwy · Structure no. 003B00017N

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
223 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
406
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway in Anderson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 406 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 406 by 2043. The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-53
CrossesBluegrass Parkway
LocationOvr Exit 48 Bg Pkwy
RouteState Highway 53
CountyAnderson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.90639, -85.05333
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating57.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length223 ft (68 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic406 (2023)
Projected traffic406 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway carry?

About 406 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway?

The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-53 over Bluegrass Parkway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.