US Bridges

Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork

FairPosted for load

Breathitt County, Kentucky · 1.1 MI W of JCT Ky 30 · Structure no. 013C00043N

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
58
2011 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork in Breathitt County, Kentucky. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 58 vehicles a day, projected to reach 58 by 2031. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesBelcher Fork Road
CrossesBelcher Fork
Location1.1 MI W of JCT Ky 30
RouteCounty Highway 1255
CountyBreathitt County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.52806, -83.43806
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width16 ft (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork 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 Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork carry?

About 58 vehicles per day (2011 count).

How long is Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Belcher Fork Road over Belcher Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.