US Bridges

KY-53 over Sulphur Creek

Fair

Anderson County, Kentucky · .08M N of Washington Cl · Structure no. 003B00021N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
190 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
406
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-53 over Sulphur Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-53 over Sulphur 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 190 ft (57.9 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-53
CrossesSulphur Creek
Location.08M N of Washington Cl
RouteState Highway 53
CountyAnderson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.89056, -85.05972
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 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
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length190 ft (57.9 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$513,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-53 over Sulphur Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-53 over Sulphur 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 Sulphur Creek carry?

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

How long is KY-53 over Sulphur Creek?

The structure is 190 ft (57.9 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-53 over Sulphur Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.