US Bridges

KY-72 over Rocky Branch

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .18 MI East of Bell Cl · Structure no. 048B00036N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
59 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
535
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-72 over Rocky Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-72 over Rocky Branch in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 6 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 535 vehicles a day, projected to reach 535 by 2043. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-72
CrossesRocky Branch
Location.18 MI East of Bell Cl
RouteState Highway 72
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.76389, -83.48639
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic535 (2023)
Projected traffic535 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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-72 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-72 over Rocky Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-72 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 535 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-72 over Rocky Branch?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns KY-72 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.