US Bridges

Chester Rd. over Free Branch

GoodPosted for load

Marshall County, Kentucky · .65 MI S. of Ky 402 · Structure no. 079C00093N

Built
2012
13 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Slab
Wood or Timber
Length
60 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
61
2012 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Chester Rd. over Free Branch is a wood or timber slab carrying Chester Rd. over Free Branch in Marshall County, Kentucky. It was built in 2012, so it is 13 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 61 vehicles a day, projected to reach 74 by 2032. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesChester Rd.
CrossesFree Branch
Location.65 MI S. of Ky 402
RouteCounty Highway 1270
CountyMarshall County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.7575, -88.43111
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating45.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic61 (2012)
Projected traffic74 by 2032
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Chester Rd. over Free Branch built?

It was built in 2012, making it 13 years old in 2025.

What condition is Chester Rd. over Free Branch 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Chester Rd. over Free Branch carry?

About 61 vehicles per day (2012 count).

How long is Chester Rd. over Free Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Chester Rd. over Free Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.