US Bridges

KY-53 over Chaplin River

Poor

Washington County, Kentucky · .8 MI N of JCT Ky 1586 · Structure no. 115B00004N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
313 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
390
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-53 over Chaplin River is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-53 over Chaplin River in Washington County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 390 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 390 by 2041. The structure is 313 ft (95.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-53
CrossesChaplin River
Location.8 MI N of JCT Ky 1586
RouteState Highway 53
CountyWashington County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.85778, -85.06694
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.1 US tons
Inventory rating36.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length313 ft (95.4 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.7 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 closed1.2 mi (2 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$834,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-53 over Chaplin River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-53 over Chaplin River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does KY-53 over Chaplin River carry?

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

How long is KY-53 over Chaplin River?

The structure is 313 ft (95.4 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.7 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-53 over Chaplin River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.