US Bridges

KY-850 over Prater Fork

Good

Floyd County, Kentucky · 0.4 MI NW of JCT Ky 550 · Structure no. 036B00056N

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
999
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-850 over Prater Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-850 over Prater Fork in Floyd County, Kentucky. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 999 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 999 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-850
CrossesPrater Fork
Location0.4 MI NW of JCT Ky 550
RouteState Highway 850
CountyFloyd County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.51944, -82.84111
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating83.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic999 (2020)
Projected traffic999 by 2040
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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-850 over Prater Fork built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-850 over Prater Fork 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 September 2021.

How much traffic does KY-850 over Prater Fork carry?

About 999 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-850 over Prater Fork?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns KY-850 over Prater Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.