US Bridges

KY-49 over Big South Fork

Fair

Casey County, Kentucky · 0.3 Mi.S. JCT Ky 78 · Structure no. 023B00068N

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
185 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
739
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-49 over Big South Fork is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-49 over Big South Fork in Casey County, Kentucky. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 739 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 739 by 2043. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-49
CrossesBig South Fork
Location0.3 Mi.S. JCT Ky 78
RouteState Highway 49
CountyCasey County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.44, -85.01444
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.1 US tons
Inventory rating48.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-49 over Big South Fork built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-49 over Big South Fork 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 Big South Fork carry?

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

How long is KY-49 over Big South Fork?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-49 over Big South Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.