US Bridges

KY-59 over Grassy Branch

Fair

Lewis County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 344 · Structure no. 068B00082N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 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 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.

It carries about 1,384 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,384 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-59
CrossesGrassy Branch
Location2.0 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 344
RouteState Highway 59
CountyLewis County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.54611, -83.34
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed19.9 mi (32 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 1950, making it 75 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 February 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 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.6 m).

Who owns KY-59 over Grassy Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.