US Bridges

KY-49 over Buck Branch

Fair

Casey County, Kentucky · .4 MI W of JCT Ky 78 · Structure no. 023B00035N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
533
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-49 over Buck Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-49 over Buck 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 533 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 533 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-49
CrossesBuck Branch
Location.4 MI W of JCT Ky 78
RouteState Highway 49
CountyCasey County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.44611, -85.02167
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.3 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic533 (2023)
Projected traffic533 by 2043
Trucks7%
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 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 Buck Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-49 over Buck 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 Buck Branch carry?

About 533 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-49 over Buck Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns KY-49 over Buck Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.