US Bridges

KY-52 over Drowning Creek

PoorPosted for load

Estill County, Kentucky · On Madison - Estill Cl · Structure no. 033B00017N

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
219 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,228
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-52 over Drowning Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-52 over Drowning Creek in Estill County, Kentucky. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 8,228 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,228 by 2041. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-52
CrossesDrowning Creek
LocationOn Madison - Estill Cl
RouteState Highway 52
CountyEstill County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.71778, -84.09889
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,228 (2021)
Projected traffic8,228 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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-52 over Drowning Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-52 over Drowning Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-52 over Drowning Creek carry?

About 8,228 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-52 over Drowning Creek?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Drowning Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.