US Bridges

US-421 over Joe Lick Fork

Fair

Madison County, Kentucky · 1.6 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 594 · Structure no. 076B00018N

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,179
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Joe Lick Fork is a concrete culvert carrying US-421 over Joe Lick Fork in Madison County, Kentucky. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 3,179 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,179 by 2041. The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesJoe Lick Fork
Location1.6 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 594
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyMadison County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.59611, -84.21611
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,179 (2021)
Projected traffic3,179 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 US-421 over Joe Lick Fork built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Joe Lick 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 US-421 over Joe Lick Fork carry?

About 3,179 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Joe Lick Fork?

The structure is 30 ft (9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US-421 over Joe Lick Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.