US Bridges

KY-57 over Whetstone Branch

Good

Nicholas County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 36 · Structure no. 091B00037N

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
157
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-57 over Whetstone Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-57 over Whetstone Branch in Nicholas County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 157 vehicles a day, projected to reach 157 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-57
CrossesWhetstone Branch
Location1.2 MI S.W. of JCT Ky 36
RouteState Highway 57
CountyNicholas County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.26111, -83.94778
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.4 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic157 (2022)
Projected traffic157 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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-57 over Whetstone Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-57 over Whetstone Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-57 over Whetstone Branch carry?

About 157 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-57 over Whetstone Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.4 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-57 over Whetstone Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.