US Bridges

KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek

Good

Lee County, Kentucky · .2 MI W of JCT Ky 2453 · Structure no. 065B00025N

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

About this bridge

KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,055 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,055 by 2043. The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-52
CrossesBig Sinking Creek
Location.2 MI W of JCT Ky 2453
RouteState Highway 52
CountyLee County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.63972, -83.78472
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum 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 rating100.1 US tons
Inventory rating60.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length89 ft (27.1 m)
Longest span87 ft (26.5 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 closed29.2 mi (47 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 Big Sinking Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek carry?

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

How long is KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek?

The structure is 89 ft (27.1 m) long with a longest span of 87 ft (26.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Big Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.