US Bridges

KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch

Fair

Casey County, Kentucky · 1.6 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 78 · Structure no. 023B00032N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
739
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch in Casey County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 739 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 739 by 2043. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-49
CrossesWolf Pen Branch
Location1.6 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 78
RouteState Highway 49
CountyCasey County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.42167, -85.00444
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99.8 US tons
Inventory rating59.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic739 (2023)
Projected traffic739 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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-49 over Wolf Pen Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch carry?

About 739 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns KY-49 over Wolf Pen Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.