US Bridges

KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River

Fair

Martin County, Kentucky · JCT Ky 292 @ W.Va St.Line · Structure no. 080B00022N

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
313 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,489
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River in Martin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,489 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,489 by 2042. The structure is 313 ft (95.3 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-40
CrossesTug Fork-Big Sandy River
LocationJCT Ky 292 @ W.Va St.Line
RouteState Highway 40
CountyMartin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.83778, -82.40972
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length313 ft (95.3 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.6 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.6 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,489 (2022)
Projected traffic3,489 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River 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 August 2021.

How much traffic does KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River carry?

About 3,489 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River?

The structure is 313 ft (95.3 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.6 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns KY-40 over Tug Fork-Big Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.