US Bridges

KY-15 over Lost Creek

Good

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 5.2 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 476 · Structure no. 013B00035N

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
160 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,200
2022 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 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 5,200 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,200 by 2042. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-15
CrossesLost Creek
Location5.2 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 476
RouteState Highway 15
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.42611, -83.29861
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66.7 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span65 ft (19.8 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,200 (2022)
Projected traffic5,200 by 2042
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$640,000
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 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 Lost Creek carry?

About 5,200 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is KY-15 over Lost Creek?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 65 ft (19.8 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over Lost Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.