US Bridges

KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River

Fair

Metcalfe County, Kentucky · 1.07 MI E JCT W/Ky 1243 · Structure no. 085B00051N

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
138
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River in Metcalfe County, Kentucky. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 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 138 vehicles a day, projected to reach 138 by 2041. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-543
CrossesS.Fk.Little Barren River
Location1.07 MI E JCT W/Ky 1243
RouteState Highway 543
CountyMetcalfe County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.04389, -85.64333
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.7 US tons
Inventory rating53.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span58 ft (17.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic138 (2021)
Projected traffic138 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River carry?

About 138 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 58 ft (17.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns KY-543 over S.Fk.Little Barren River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.