US Bridges

KY-52 over Pottinger Creek

Fair

Nelson County, Kentucky · .2 MI NW of S-Jct Ky 457 · Structure no. 090B00097N

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,726
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-52 over Pottinger Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-52 over Pottinger Creek in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 1,726 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,726 by 2042. The structure is 195 ft (59.5 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-52
CrossesPottinger Creek
Location.2 MI NW of S-Jct Ky 457
RouteState Highway 52
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.6375, -85.50778
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.2 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length195 ft (59.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 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 closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-52 over Pottinger Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-52 over Pottinger 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 Pottinger Creek carry?

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

How long is KY-52 over Pottinger Creek?

The structure is 195 ft (59.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns KY-52 over Pottinger Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.