US Bridges

KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek

PoorPosted for load

Martin County, Kentucky · .05 MI W of JCT Ky 3 N · Structure no. 080B00005N

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
172 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,804
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek in Martin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,804 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,804 by 2040. The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long and 33 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-40
CrossesRockcastle Creek
Location.05 MI W of JCT Ky 3 N
RouteState Highway 40
CountyMartin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.86806, -82.54194
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
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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length172 ft (52.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,804 (2020)
Projected traffic4,804 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$679,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek carry?

About 4,804 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek?

The structure is 172 ft (52.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns KY-40 over Rockcastle Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.