US Bridges

KY-49 over Rush Branch

Poor

Marion County, Kentucky · 1.5 MI N of Casey Cl · Structure no. 078B00013N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
520
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-49 over Rush Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-49 over Rush Branch in Marion County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 520 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 520 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-49
CrossesRush Branch
Location1.5 MI N of Casey Cl
RouteState Highway 49
CountyMarion County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.44611, -85.06639
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.4 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic520 (2021)
Projected traffic520 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-49 over Rush Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-49 over Rush Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-49 over Rush Branch carry?

About 520 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-49 over Rush Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns KY-49 over Rush Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.