US Bridges

KY-16 over Big South Fork

FairPosted for load

Gallatin County, Kentucky · 2.3 MI East of JCT Ky 562 · Structure no. 039B00006N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,156
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-16 over Big South Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-16 over Big South Fork in Gallatin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,156 vehicles a day, projected to reach 1,156 by 2042. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-16
CrossesBig South Fork
Location2.3 MI East of JCT Ky 562
RouteState Highway 16
CountyGallatin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.78167, -84.7275
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,156 (2022)
Projected traffic1,156 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-16 over Big South Fork built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-16 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-16 over Big South Fork carry?

About 1,156 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-16 over Big South Fork?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-16 over Big South Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.