US Bridges

KY-52 over Beech Fork River

Fair

Nelson County, Kentucky · .70 MI Sou. of JCT US 62 · Structure no. 090B00054N

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
307 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,164
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-52 over Beech Fork River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-52 over Beech Fork River in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 2,164 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,164 by 2041. The structure is 307 ft (93.5 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-52
CrossesBeech Fork River
Location.70 MI Sou. of JCT US 62
RouteState Highway 52
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.765, -85.67889
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length307 ft (93.5 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,164 (2021)
Projected traffic2,164 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed18 mi (29 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-52 over Beech Fork River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-52 over Beech Fork 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-52 over Beech Fork River carry?

About 2,164 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is KY-52 over Beech Fork River?

The structure is 307 ft (93.5 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Beech Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.