US Bridges

KY-542 over Hughes Creek

Fair

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 1.4 MI E of JCT Ky 1111 · Structure no. 013B00041N

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
17
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-542 over Hughes Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-542 over Hughes Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 6 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 17 vehicles a day, projected to reach 17 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-542
CrossesHughes Creek
Location1.4 MI E of JCT Ky 1111
RouteState Highway 542
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.54722, -83.06639
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17 (2021)
Projected traffic17 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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-542 over Hughes Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-542 over Hughes 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-542 over Hughes Creek carry?

About 17 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-542 over Hughes Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-542 over Hughes Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.