US Bridges

KY-217 over Clear Fork Creek

FairPosted for load

Bell County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 988 · Structure no. 007B00063N

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
64 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
521
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-217 over Clear Fork Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-217 over Clear Fork Creek in Bell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 521 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 521 by 2043. The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-217
CrossesClear Fork Creek
Location1.2 MI S.E. of JCT Ky 988
RouteState Highway 217
CountyBell County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.64528, -83.63806
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length64 ft (19.5 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic521 (2023)
Projected traffic521 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-217 over Clear Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-217 over Clear Fork 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-217 over Clear Fork Creek carry?

About 521 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-217 over Clear Fork Creek?

The structure is 64 ft (19.5 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns KY-217 over Clear Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.