US Bridges

KY-78 over Ellis Branch

Fair

Casey County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 243 · Structure no. 023B00038N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
533
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-78 over Ellis Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-78 over Ellis Branch in Casey County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 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 533 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 533 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-78
CrossesEllis Branch
Location1.0 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 243
RouteState Highway 78
CountyCasey County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.46278, -84.97111
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating32.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 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 traffic533 (2023)
Projected traffic533 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-78 over Ellis Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-78 over Ellis 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-78 over Ellis Branch carry?

About 533 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-78 over Ellis Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns KY-78 over Ellis Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.