US Bridges

KY-54 over Big Slough

FairPosted for load

Grayson County, Kentucky · .10 MI West of JCT Ky 878 · Structure no. 043B00047N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
174 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
583
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-54 over Big Slough is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-54 over Big Slough in Grayson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 583 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 583 by 2043. The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-54
CrossesBig Slough
Location.10 MI West of JCT Ky 878
RouteState Highway 54
CountyGrayson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.53889, -86.5875
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length174 ft (53 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic583 (2023)
Projected traffic583 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-54 over Big Slough built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-54 over Big Slough 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-54 over Big Slough carry?

About 583 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-54 over Big Slough?

The structure is 174 ft (53 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-54 over Big Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.