US Bridges

KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .2 MI NE of JCT US 119 · Structure no. 048B00002N

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

About this bridge

KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr 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 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 942 vehicles a day, projected to reach 942 by 2043. The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-522
CrossesPoor Fk Cumberland Rvr
Location.2 MI NE of JCT US 119
RouteState Highway 522
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.88444, -83.28889
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
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length145 ft (44.2 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 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
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$488,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr built?

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

What condition is KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr carry?

About 942 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr?

The structure is 145 ft (44.2 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-522 over Poor Fk Cumberland Rvr?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.