US Bridges

Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork

Fair

Nelson County, Kentucky · Ebl 1 Mile E of US 31E · Structure no. 090B00016R

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2022
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
474 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,990
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5,990 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,990 by 2042. The structure is 474 ft (144.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBluegrass Parkway
CrossesBeech Fork
LocationEbl 1 Mile E of US 31E
RouteState Highway 9002
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.7775, -85.47194
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionFebruary 2022
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.7 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length474 ft (144.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,990 (2022)
Projected traffic5,990 by 2042
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork 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 2022.

How much traffic does Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork carry?

About 5,990 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork?

The structure is 474 ft (144.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Bluegrass Parkway over Beech Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.