US Bridges

KY-72 over Martins Fk Cumberland Rv

Poor

Harlan County, Kentucky · .05 MI SW of S-Jct US 421 · Structure no. 048B00040N

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,881
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-72 over Martins Fk Cumberland Rv is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-72 over Martins Fk Cumberland Rv in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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.

It carries about 2,881 vehicles a day, projected to reach 2,881 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-72
CrossesMartins Fk Cumberland Rv
Location.05 MI SW of S-Jct US 421
RouteState Highway 72
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.82944, -83.32556
Functional classUrban Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating65.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span62 ft (18.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,881 (2022)
Projected traffic2,881 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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 Martins Fk Cumberland Rv built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-72 over Martins Fk Cumberland Rv 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 Martins Fk Cumberland Rv carry?

About 2,881 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-72 over Martins Fk Cumberland Rv?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 62 ft (18.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns KY-72 over Martins Fk Cumberland Rv?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.