US Bridges

KY-78 over Hanging Fork

Fair

Lincoln County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI West of JCT Ky 198 · Structure no. 069B00023N

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
192 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,360
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-78 over Hanging Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-78 over Hanging Fork in Lincoln County, Kentucky. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-78
CrossesHanging Fork
Location1.2 MI West of JCT Ky 198
RouteState Highway 78
CountyLincoln County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.48667, -84.7625
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionApril 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.5 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$617,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-78 over Hanging Fork built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-78 over Hanging 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-78 over Hanging Fork carry?

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

How long is KY-78 over Hanging Fork?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.5 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-78 over Hanging Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.