US Bridges

KY-490 over Rockcastle River

FairPosted for load

Laurel County, Kentucky · On Rockcastle-Laurel Cl · Structure no. 063B00004N

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
207 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
198
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-490 over Rockcastle River is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-490 over Rockcastle River in Laurel County, Kentucky. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 198 vehicles a day, projected to reach 198 by 2041. The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.8 mi (48 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-490
CrossesRockcastle River
LocationOn Rockcastle-Laurel Cl
RouteState Highway 490
CountyLaurel County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.30083, -84.16
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating33.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length207 ft (63.1 m)
Longest span202 ft (61.6 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic198 (2021)
Projected traffic198 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.8 mi (48 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$657,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-490 over Rockcastle River built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-490 over Rockcastle 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-490 over Rockcastle River carry?

About 198 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-490 over Rockcastle River?

The structure is 207 ft (63.1 m) long with a longest span of 202 ft (61.6 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-490 over Rockcastle River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.