US Bridges

KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake

Good

Harlan County, Kentucky · 4.1 MI SW of JCT Ky 3099 · Structure no. 048B00103N

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
305 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
565
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 565 vehicles a day, projected to reach 565 by 2043. The structure is 305 ft (93 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-987
CrossesMartins Fork Lake
Location4.1 MI SW of JCT Ky 3099
RouteState Highway 987
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.73861, -83.25833
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.5 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length305 ft (93 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic565 (2023)
Projected traffic565 by 2043
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 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-987 over Martins Fork Lake built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake carry?

About 565 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake?

The structure is 305 ft (93 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-987 over Martins Fork Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.