US Bridges

KY-56 over Green River

FairPosted for load

Webster County, Kentucky · On Mclean - Webster Cl · Structure no. 117B00012N

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
877 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,839
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-56 over Green River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-56 over Green River in Webster County, Kentucky. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,839 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,839 by 2040. The structure is 877 ft (267.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-56
CrossesGreen River
LocationOn Mclean - Webster Cl
RouteState Highway 56
CountyWebster County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.6125, -87.49
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.9 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length877 ft (267.3 m)
Longest span315 ft (96 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,839 (2020)
Projected traffic1,839 by 2040
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed28 mi (45 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-56 over Green River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-56 over Green 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does KY-56 over Green River carry?

About 1,839 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-56 over Green River?

The structure is 877 ft (267.3 m) long with a longest span of 315 ft (96 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns KY-56 over Green River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.