US Bridges

KY-53 over Puncheon Creek

Fair

Anderson County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI N. of Bg Pw Op · Structure no. 003B00020N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
406
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-53 over Puncheon Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-53 over Puncheon Creek in Anderson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 5 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 406 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 406 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-53
CrossesPuncheon Creek
Location1.2 MI N. of Bg Pw Op
RouteState Highway 53
CountyAnderson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.92056, -85.04139
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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-53 over Puncheon Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-53 over Puncheon 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-53 over Puncheon Creek carry?

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

How long is KY-53 over Puncheon Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns KY-53 over Puncheon Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.