US Bridges

KY-3451 over Cumberland River

FairPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · .1 MI S of JCT US 119 · Structure no. 048B00147N

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
372 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
243
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-3451 over Cumberland River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-3451 over Cumberland River in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 243 vehicles a day, projected to reach 243 by 2043. The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-3451
CrossesCumberland River
Location.1 MI S of JCT US 119
RouteState Highway 3451
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.84139, -83.37722
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating29.2 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length372 ft (113.4 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic243 (2023)
Projected traffic243 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-3451 over Cumberland River built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-3451 over Cumberland River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-3451 over Cumberland River carry?

About 243 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-3451 over Cumberland River?

The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns KY-3451 over Cumberland River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.