US Bridges

KY-15 over Troublesome Creek

Good

Breathitt County, Kentucky · .10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 476 · Structure no. 013B00031N

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
264 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,576
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-15 over Troublesome Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-15 over Troublesome Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,576 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,576 by 2043. The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-15
CrossesTroublesome Creek
Location.10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 476
RouteState Highway 15
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.47833, -83.32222
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.1 US tons
Inventory rating40.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length264 ft (80.5 m)
Longest span91 ft (27.7 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,576 (2023)
Projected traffic4,576 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-15 over Troublesome Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-15 over Troublesome Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2023.

How much traffic does KY-15 over Troublesome Creek carry?

About 4,576 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-15 over Troublesome Creek?

The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long with a longest span of 91 ft (27.7 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over Troublesome Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.