US Bridges

KY-144 over Sulphur Fork

Fair

Hancock County, Kentucky · .60 MI West of JCT Ky 170 · Structure no. 046B00032N

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
78 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
378
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-144 over Sulphur Fork is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-144 over Sulphur Fork in Hancock County, Kentucky. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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.

It carries about 378 vehicles a day, projected to reach 378 by 2042. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-144
CrossesSulphur Fork
Location.60 MI West of JCT Ky 170
RouteState Highway 144
CountyHancock County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.78056, -86.73167
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.7 US tons
Inventory rating55 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic378 (2022)
Projected traffic378 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 KY-144 over Sulphur Fork built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-144 over Sulphur 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-144 over Sulphur Fork carry?

About 378 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-144 over Sulphur Fork?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-144 over Sulphur Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.