US Bridges

Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek

FairPosted for load

Graves County, Kentucky · 0.1 Mile N. of Ky. 849 · Structure no. 042C00309N

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
131
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek in Graves County, Kentucky. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger 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 131 vehicles a day, projected to reach 131 by 2029. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWatkins Road
CrossesBranch of W. Fork Creek
Location0.1 Mile N. of Ky. 849
RouteCounty Highway 1047
CountyGraves County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.88667, -88.56583
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.7 US tons
Inventory rating37.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.1 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2009)
Projected traffic131 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Watkins Road over Branch of W. Fork Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.