US Bridges

US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R.

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · .4 MI N-Clover St-Ky 38 · Structure no. 048B00131N

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
569 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
15,138
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R. is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R. in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 15,138 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,138 by 2043. The structure is 569 ft (173.4 m) long and 79 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesClover Fork & L.&n. R.R.
Location.4 MI N-Clover St-Ky 38
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.85139, -83.32417
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating75.7 US tons
Inventory rating45.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length569 ft (173.4 m)
Longest span137 ft (41.8 m)
Deck width79 ft (24.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,138 (2023)
Projected traffic15,138 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R. built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R. 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 US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R. carry?

About 15,138 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R.?

The structure is 569 ft (173.4 m) long with a longest span of 137 ft (41.8 m) and a deck 79 ft wide.

Who owns US-421 over Clover Fork & L.&n. R.R.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.