US Bridges

KY-59 over Grassy Branch

FairPosted for load

Lewis County, Kentucky · 1.6 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 344 · Structure no. 068B00016N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,384
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-59 over Grassy Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-59 over Grassy Branch in Lewis County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 1,384 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,384 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 41 mi (66 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-59
CrossesGrassy Branch
Location1.6 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 344
RouteState Highway 59
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.5425, -83.34194
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,384 (2023)
Projected traffic1,384 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed41 mi (66 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 Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-59 over Grassy 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 January 2024.

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

About 1,384 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-59 over Grassy Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-59 over Grassy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.