US Bridges

KY-221 over Laurel Fork

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .05 MI W of JCT Ky 2009 · Structure no. 048B00055N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
384
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-221 over Laurel Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-221 over Laurel Fork in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 384 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 384 by 2042. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-221
CrossesLaurel Fork
Location.05 MI W of JCT Ky 2009
RouteState Highway 221
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.91139, -83.29889
Functional classRural Major 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic384 (2022)
Projected traffic384 by 2042
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-221 over Laurel Fork built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-221 over Laurel 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-221 over Laurel Fork carry?

About 384 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is KY-221 over Laurel Fork?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-221 over Laurel Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.