US Bridges

KY-53 over Glenns Creek

Fair

Washington County, Kentucky · 1.5 MI SW of JCT Ky 1586 · Structure no. 115B00003N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2021
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
106 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
390
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-53 over Glenns Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-53 over Glenns Creek in Washington County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 390 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2041. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-53
CrossesGlenns Creek
Location1.5 MI SW of JCT Ky 1586
RouteState Highway 53
CountyWashington County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.8325, -85.08917
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60.3 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic390 (2021)
Projected traffic390 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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-53 over Glenns Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-53 over Glenns 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 March 2021.

How much traffic does KY-53 over Glenns Creek carry?

About 390 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-53 over Glenns Creek?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-53 over Glenns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.