US Bridges

KY-49 over Big South Fork

Good

Marion County, Kentucky · 0.6 Miles South of Ky 337 · Structure no. 078B00075N

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
302 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,188
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-49 over Big South Fork is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-49 over Big South Fork in Marion County, Kentucky. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,188 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,188 by 2042. The structure is 302 ft (92 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-49
CrossesBig South Fork
Location0.6 Miles South of Ky 337
RouteState Highway 49
CountyMarion County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.49194, -85.15972
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating82.2 US tons
Inventory rating48.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length302 ft (92 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,188 (2022)
Projected traffic1,188 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-49 over Big South Fork built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-49 over Big South Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-49 over Big South Fork carry?

About 1,188 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-49 over Big South Fork?

The structure is 302 ft (92 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-49 over Big South Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.