US Bridges

KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek

FairPosted for load

Lincoln County, Kentucky · .80 MI East of Casey Cl · Structure no. 069B00026N

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,221
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek in Lincoln County, Kentucky. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 1,221 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,221 by 2041. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-78
CrossesHanging Fork Creek
Location.80 MI East of Casey Cl
RouteState Highway 78
CountyLincoln County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.47361, -84.84361
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,221 (2021)
Projected traffic1,221 by 2041
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$204,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek 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 Creek carry?

About 1,221 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-78 over Hanging Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.