US Bridges

KY-542 over Licking River

Fair

Magoffin County, Kentucky · .05 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 7 · Structure no. 077B00060N

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
306
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-542 over Licking River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-542 over Licking River in Magoffin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 306 vehicles a day, projected to reach 306 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-542
CrossesLicking River
Location.05 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 7
RouteState Highway 542
CountyMagoffin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.6, -82.95972
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.2 US tons
Inventory rating38.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic306 (2023)
Projected traffic306 by 2043
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$87,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-542 over Licking River built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-542 over Licking River 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 Licking River carry?

About 306 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-542 over Licking River?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns KY-542 over Licking River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.