US Bridges

KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System

Fair

Lincoln County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI East of JCT US 127 · Structure no. 069B00020N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
131 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,360
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System in Lincoln County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 1,360 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,360 by 2041. The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-78
CrossesNS (cno&tp) System
Location2.0 MI East of JCT US 127
RouteState Highway 78
CountyLincoln County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.48278, -84.78278
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length131 ft (39.8 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,360 (2021)
Projected traffic1,360 by 2041
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System carry?

About 1,360 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System?

The structure is 131 ft (39.8 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns KY-78 over NS (cno&tp) System?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.