US Bridges

KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive

Fair

Breckinridge County, Kentucky · .8 MI W of S-Jct Ky 259 · Structure no. 014B00004N

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
622 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,658
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-79 over North Fork of Rough Rive is a steel 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 1,658 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,658 by 2043. The structure is 622 ft (189.5 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-79
CrossesNorth Fork of Rough Rive
Location.8 MI W of S-Jct Ky 259
RouteState Highway 79
CountyBreckinridge County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.62528, -86.45583
Functional classRural Major 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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length622 ft (189.5 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 traffic1,658 (2023)
Projected traffic1,658 by 2043
Trucks16%
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 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 1,658 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

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

The structure is 622 ft (189.5 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.