US Bridges

KY-59 over Grassy Fork

FairPosted for load

Lewis County, Kentucky · 2.5 MI N of JCT Ky 1662 · Structure no. 068B00011N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
115 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
556
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-59 over Grassy Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-59 over Grassy Fork in Lewis County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 556 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 556 by 2043. The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-59
CrossesGrassy Fork
Location2.5 MI N of JCT Ky 1662
RouteState Highway 59
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.38917, -83.26222
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
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating57.8 US tons
Inventory rating34.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length115 ft (35 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic556 (2023)
Projected traffic556 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-59 over Grassy Fork built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-59 over Grassy 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-59 over Grassy Fork carry?

About 556 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-59 over Grassy Fork?

The structure is 115 ft (35 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-59 over Grassy Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.