US Bridges

KY-72 over Catron Creek

Good

Harlan County, Kentucky · 0.1 M SW JCT Ky 1216 · Structure no. 048B00204N

Built
2017
8 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
117 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
291
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-72 over Catron Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-72 over Catron Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 2017, so it is 8 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 291 vehicles a day, projected to reach 291 by 2041. The structure is 117 ft (35.6 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-72
CrossesCatron Creek
Location0.1 M SW JCT Ky 1216
RouteState Highway 72
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.77528, -83.33306
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.2 US tons
Inventory rating59.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length117 ft (35.6 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 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 closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-72 over Catron Creek built?

It was built in 2017, making it 8 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-72 over Catron Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. 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 117 ft (35.6 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns KY-72 over Catron Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.