US Bridges

KY-542 over Big Caney Creek

Fair

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 0.09 Mi. S. Ky 30 · Structure no. 013B00071N

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
110
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-542 over Big Caney Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-542 over Big Caney Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger 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 110 vehicles a day, projected to reach 110 by 2040. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-542
CrossesBig Caney Creek
Location0.09 Mi. S. Ky 30
RouteState Highway 542
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.58556, -83.19111
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.2 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2020)
Projected traffic110 by 2040
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-542 over Big Caney Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-542 over Big Caney 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 Big Caney Creek carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is KY-542 over Big Caney Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-542 over Big Caney Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.