US Bridges

Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek

FairPosted for load

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 50 West of JCT Ky 30 · Structure no. 013C00037N

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
44 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
58
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek in Breathitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 58 vehicles a day, projected to reach 58 by 2031. The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesBelcher Fork Road
CrossesCane Creek
Location50 West of JCT Ky 30
RouteCounty Highway 1255
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.53333, -83.42167
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating90.7 US tons
Inventory rating54.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.3 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.6 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic58 (2011)
Projected traffic58 by 2031
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$117,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Belcher Fork Road over Cane 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek carry?

About 58 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.3 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.6 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Belcher Fork Road over Cane Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.