US Bridges

KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch

Fair

Bell County, Kentucky · .60 MI East of JCT Ky 217 · Structure no. 007B00047N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
319
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch is a steel culvert carrying KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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.

It carries about 319 vehicles a day, projected to reach 319 by 2043. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.8 mi (64 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-987
CrossesCoal Stone Branch
Location.60 MI East of JCT Ky 217
RouteState Highway 987
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.70972, -83.54
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.4 US tons
Inventory rating64.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic319 (2023)
Projected traffic319 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.8 mi (64 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-987 over Coal Stone Branch built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch carry?

About 319 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns KY-987 over Coal Stone Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.