US Bridges

KY-52 over Billey Fork

Fair

Lee County, Kentucky · 2.36 MI E. JCT Ky 1571 · Structure no. 065B00024N

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
133 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,055
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-52 over Billey Fork is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-52 over Billey Fork in Lee County, Kentucky. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 1,055 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,055 by 2043. The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-52
CrossesBilley Fork
Location2.36 MI E. JCT Ky 1571
RouteState Highway 52
CountyLee County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.66306, -83.82417
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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.4 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length133 ft (40.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,055 (2023)
Projected traffic1,055 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-52 over Billey Fork built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-52 over Billey Fork 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does KY-52 over Billey Fork carry?

About 1,055 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-52 over Billey Fork?

The structure is 133 ft (40.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Billey Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.