US Bridges

KY-259 over Rough River

Fair

Grayson County, Kentucky · On Breckinridge-Grayson C · Structure no. 043B00001N

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
416 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,006
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-259 over Rough River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-259 over Rough River in Grayson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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.

It carries about 2,006 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,006 by 2043. The structure is 416 ft (126.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.9 mi (40 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-259
CrossesRough River
LocationOn Breckinridge-Grayson C
RouteState Highway 259
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.59194, -86.32944
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length416 ft (126.9 m)
Longest span170 ft (51.8 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,006 (2023)
Projected traffic2,006 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.9 mi (40 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-259 over Rough River built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-259 over Rough River 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-259 over Rough River carry?

About 2,006 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-259 over Rough River?

The structure is 416 ft (126.9 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-259 over Rough River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.