US Bridges

KY-61 over South Fork Branch

Fair

Larue County, Kentucky · .50 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 584 · Structure no. 062B00008N

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,062
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-61 over South Fork Branch is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-61 over South Fork Branch in Larue County, Kentucky. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 99 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.

It carries about 3,062 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,062 by 2042. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-61
CrossesSouth Fork Branch
Location.50 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 584
RouteState Highway 61
CountyLarue County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.49583, -85.68611
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating72.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,062 (2022)
Projected traffic3,062 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$175,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-61 over South Fork Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is KY-61 over South Fork 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does KY-61 over South Fork Branch carry?

About 3,062 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-61 over South Fork Branch?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-61 over South Fork Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.