US Bridges

KY-52 over Monks Creek

FairPosted for load

Nelson County, Kentucky · .8 MI W of N-Jct Ky 457 · Structure no. 090B00033N

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 2019
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
156 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,726
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-52 over Monks Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-52 over Monks Creek in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 2019, so it is 95 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,726 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,726 by 2042. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-52
CrossesMonks Creek
Location.8 MI W of N-Jct Ky 457
RouteState Highway 52
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.65, -85.52306
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.8 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,726 (2022)
Projected traffic1,726 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$390,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-52 over Monks Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2019.

What condition is KY-52 over Monks 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-52 over Monks Creek carry?

About 1,726 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-52 over Monks Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Monks Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.