US Bridges

Ky 72 over Saylor Branch

Good

Harlan County, Kentucky · 0.45 M E of JCT Ky 2005 · Structure no. 048B00211N

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
255
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 72 over Saylor Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Ky 72 over Saylor Branch in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 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 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 255 vehicles a day, projected to reach 255 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 100 mi (161 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 72
CrossesSaylor Branch
Location0.45 M E of JCT Ky 2005
RouteState Highway 72
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.75556, -83.45667
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span39 ft (12 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic255 (2023)
Projected traffic255 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed100 mi (161 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 Saylor Branch built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 72 over Saylor Branch 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Ky 72 over Saylor Branch carry?

About 255 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is Ky 72 over Saylor Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (12 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 72 over Saylor Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.