US Bridges

KY-78 over Barnetts Branch

FairPosted for load

Lincoln County, Kentucky · .65 MI East of JCT US 127 · Structure no. 069B00024N

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,360
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-78 over Barnetts Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-78 over Barnetts Branch 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 6 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 1,360 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,360 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-78
CrossesBarnetts Branch
Location.65 MI East of JCT US 127
RouteState Highway 78
CountyLincoln County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.47583, -84.80389
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 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 closed11.2 mi (18 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-78 over Barnetts Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-78 over Barnetts 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-78 over Barnetts Branch carry?

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

How long is KY-78 over Barnetts Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-78 over Barnetts Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.