US Bridges

KY-539 over N Fork Licking River

FairPosted for load

Bracken County, Kentucky · On Robertson - Bracken Cl · Structure no. 012B00011N

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
246 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
98
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-539 over N Fork Licking River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-539 over N Fork Licking River in Bracken County, Kentucky. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 246 ft (75.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-539
CrossesN Fork Licking River
LocationOn Robertson - Bracken Cl
RouteState Highway 539
CountyBracken County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.57028, -84.12167
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
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating35.5 US tons
Inventory rating21.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length246 ft (75.1 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.4 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-539 over N Fork Licking River built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-539 over N Fork Licking River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does KY-539 over N Fork Licking River carry?

About 98 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-539 over N Fork Licking River?

The structure is 246 ft (75.1 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.4 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-539 over N Fork Licking River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.