US Bridges

KY-522 over CSX Railroad

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .3 MI NE of JCT US 119 · Structure no. 048B00001N

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
942
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-522 over CSX Railroad is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-522 over CSX Railroad in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 3 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 942 vehicles a day, projected to reach 942 by 2043. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-522
CrossesCSX Railroad
Location.3 MI NE of JCT US 119
RouteState Highway 522
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.88611, -83.285
Functional classUrban Local

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
Deck3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Superstructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.6 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic942 (2023)
Projected traffic942 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$449,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-522 over CSX Railroad built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-522 over CSX Railroad 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-522 over CSX Railroad carry?

About 942 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-522 over CSX Railroad?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-522 over CSX Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.