US Bridges

KY-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · W @ JCT US 421 · Structure no. 048B00140N

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
189 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
364
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 364 vehicles a day, projected to reach 364 by 2042. The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-6257
CrossesMartins Fork-Cumberland
LocationW @ JCT US 421
RouteState Highway 6257
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.82111, -83.31833
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length189 ft (57.6 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic364 (2022)
Projected traffic364 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland 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-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland carry?

About 364 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland?

The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns KY-6257 over Martins Fork-Cumberland?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.