US Bridges

KY-72 over Catron Creek

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · 1.9 MI S of JCT Ky 1216 · Structure no. 048B00032N

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
84 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
291
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-72 over Catron Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-72 over Catron Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 291 vehicles a day, projected to reach 291 by 2041. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 22 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesKY-72
CrossesCatron Creek
Location1.9 MI S of JCT Ky 1216
RouteState Highway 72
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.755, -83.34417
Functional classRural 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic291 (2021)
Projected traffic291 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$220,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-72 over Catron Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-72 over Catron Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-72 over Catron Creek carry?

About 291 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-72 over Catron Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-72 over Catron Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.