US Bridges

KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive

Fair

Breckinridge County, Kentucky · .8 MI North of Ky 259 · Structure no. 014B00002N

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
645 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,710
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive in Breckinridge County, Kentucky. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,710 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,710 by 2042. The structure is 645 ft (196.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-79
CrossesNorth Fork of Rough Rive
Location.8 MI North of Ky 259
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBreckinridge County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.63444, -86.43667
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating33.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length645 ft (196.6 m)
Longest span170 ft (51.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,710 (2022)
Projected traffic2,710 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive carry?

About 2,710 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive?

The structure is 645 ft (196.6 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.