US Bridges

KY-533 over Beards Creek

Fair

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · 0.15 MI N of JCT W/Ky 496 · Structure no. 085B00021N

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
701
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-533 over Beards Creek is a concrete culvert carrying KY-533 over Beards Creek in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 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 701 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 701 by 2043. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-533
CrossesBeards Creek
Location0.15 MI N of JCT W/Ky 496
RouteState Highway 533
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.97583, -85.59972
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic701 (2023)
Projected traffic701 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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-533 over Beards Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-533 over Beards 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does KY-533 over Beards Creek carry?

About 701 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-533 over Beards Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns KY-533 over Beards Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.