US Bridges

KY-987 over Daniel Branch

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · 5.7 MI E of JCT Ky 2005 · Structure no. 048B00028N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
252
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-987 over Daniel Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-987 over Daniel Branch in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 252 vehicles a day, projected to reach 252 by 2041. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-987
CrossesDaniel Branch
Location5.7 MI E of JCT Ky 2005
RouteState Highway 987
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.70694, -83.35889
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.7 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span0 ft (0 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic252 (2021)
Projected traffic252 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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-987 over Daniel Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-987 over Daniel Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-987 over Daniel Branch carry?

About 252 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-987 over Daniel Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long.

Who owns KY-987 over Daniel Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.