US Bridges

KY-527 over Fork of Prather Creek

FairPosted for load

Marion County, Kentucky · 2.5 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 84- · Structure no. 078B00046N

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
800
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-527 over Fork of Prather Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-527 over Fork of Prather Creek in Marion County, Kentucky. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2041. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-527
CrossesFork of Prather Creek
Location2.5 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 84-
RouteState Highway 527
CountyMarion County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.5975, -85.43028
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2021)
Projected traffic800 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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-527 over Fork of Prather Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-527 over Fork of Prather 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does KY-527 over Fork of Prather Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-527 over Fork of Prather Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-527 over Fork of Prather Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.