US Bridges

Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin River

Fair

Nelson County, Kentucky · Wbl on Wash/Nelson Line · Structure no. 090B00019L

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
330 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,796
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin River 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 6,796 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,796 by 2043. The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

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CarriesBluegrass Parkway
CrossesChaplin River
LocationWbl on Wash/Nelson Line
RouteState Highway 9002
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.87639, -85.19611
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.1 US tons
Inventory rating45.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length330 ft (100.6 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,796 (2023)
Projected traffic6,796 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 Chaplin River built?

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

What condition is Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin River carry?

About 6,796 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin River?

The structure is 330 ft (100.6 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Bluegrass Parkway over Chaplin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.