US Bridges

KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR

FairPosted for load

Estill County, Kentucky · Between Jcts Ky 89 N&s · Structure no. 033B00016N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
794 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
13,424
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR in Estill County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 13,424 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,424 by 2041. The structure is 794 ft (242 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-52
CrossesKentucky River & CSX RR
LocationBetween Jcts Ky 89 N&s
RouteState Highway 52
CountyEstill County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.69833, -83.97583
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating41.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length794 ft (242 m)
Longest span320 ft (97.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck18 ft (5.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,424 (2021)
Projected traffic13,424 by 2041
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR carry?

About 13,424 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR?

The structure is 794 ft (242 m) long with a longest span of 320 ft (97.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Kentucky River & CSX RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.