US Bridges

KY-542 over Trace Fork

Fair

Magoffin County, Kentucky · .05 MI SW of JCT Ky 1502 · Structure no. 077B00019N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
99
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-542 over Trace Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-542 over Trace Fork in Magoffin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 99 vehicles a day, projected to reach 99 by 2042. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-542
CrossesTrace Fork
Location.05 MI SW of JCT Ky 1502
RouteState Highway 542
CountyMagoffin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.57194, -82.97944
Functional classRural Minor 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 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 inspectionJanuary 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic99 (2022)
Projected traffic99 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed55.3 mi (89 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$389,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-542 over Trace Fork built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-542 over Trace 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-542 over Trace Fork carry?

About 99 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-542 over Trace Fork?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-542 over Trace Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.