US Bridges

KY-15 over Lost Creek

Fair

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI S of JCT Ky 476 · Structure no. 013B00032N

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

About this bridge

KY-15 over Lost Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-15 over Lost 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 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.

It carries about 4,576 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,576 by 2043. The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-15
CrossesLost Creek
Location1.0 MI S of JCT Ky 476
RouteState Highway 15
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.46556, -83.32083
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.6 US tons
Inventory rating39.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length212 ft (64.6 m)
Longest span81 ft (24.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 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 Lost Creek built?

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

What condition is KY-15 over Lost 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 February 2023.

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

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

How long is KY-15 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 212 ft (64.6 m) long with a longest span of 81 ft (24.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.