US Bridges

KY-278 over P&l Railway

Fair

Caldwell County, Kentucky · 4.1 Mi. W Ky 672 · Structure no. 017B00069N

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
313
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-278 over P&l Railway is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-278 over P&l Railway in Caldwell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 313 vehicles a day, projected to reach 313 by 2041. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-278
CrossesP&l Railway
Location4.1 Mi. W Ky 672
RouteState Highway 278
CountyCaldwell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.08361, -87.81333
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.9 US tons
Inventory rating52.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic313 (2021)
Projected traffic313 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-278 over P&l Railway built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-278 over P&l Railway 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-278 over P&l Railway carry?

About 313 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-278 over P&l Railway?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns KY-278 over P&l Railway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.