US Bridges

KY-539 over Pipe Creek

FairPosted for load

Bracken County, Kentucky · .90 MI East of JCT Ky 19 · Structure no. 012B00010N

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
98
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-539 over Pipe Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-539 over Pipe Creek in Bracken County, Kentucky. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 98 vehicles a day, projected to reach 98 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-539
CrossesPipe Creek
Location.90 MI East of JCT Ky 19
RouteState Highway 539
CountyBracken County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.58361, -84.14222
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic98 (2023)
Projected traffic98 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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-539 over Pipe Creek built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-539 over Pipe 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does KY-539 over Pipe Creek carry?

About 98 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-539 over Pipe Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-539 over Pipe Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.