US Bridges

KY-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek

FairPosted for load

Nelson County, Kentucky · 2.0 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 162 · Structure no. 090B00004N

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
144 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,976
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1959, so it is 99 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,976 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,976 by 2042. The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-48
CrossesW Fk Simpson Creek
Location2.0 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 162
RouteState Highway 48
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.92306, -85.35361
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length144 ft (43.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,976 (2022)
Projected traffic1,976 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is KY-48 over W Fk Simpson 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek carry?

About 1,976 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek?

The structure is 144 ft (43.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns KY-48 over W Fk Simpson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.