US Bridges

KY-85 over Pond River

Fair

Hopkins County, Kentucky · On Mclean - Hopkins Cl · Structure no. 054B00033N

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
288 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,339
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-85 over Pond River is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-85 over Pond River in Hopkins County, Kentucky. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 1,339 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,339 by 2040. The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-85
CrossesPond River
LocationOn Mclean - Hopkins Cl
RouteState Highway 85
CountyHopkins County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.39472, -87.30556
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length288 ft (87.8 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,339 (2020)
Projected traffic1,339 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$756,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-85 over Pond River built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-85 over Pond River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-85 over Pond River carry?

About 1,339 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-85 over Pond River?

The structure is 288 ft (87.8 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-85 over Pond River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.