US Bridges

US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River

Good

Harlan County, Kentucky · 1.0 MI S of Harlan · Structure no. 048B00167N

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
268 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,821
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 5,821 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,821 by 2043. The structure is 268 ft (81.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 53.4 mi (86 km).

CarriesUS-421
CrossesPoor Fk Cumberland River
Location1.0 MI S of Harlan
RouteU.S. Route 421
Coordinates36.80778, -83.30833
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length268 ft (81.8 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,821 (2023)
Projected traffic5,821 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed53.4 mi (86 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 Poor Fk Cumberland River built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River 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 US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River carry?

About 5,821 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River?

The structure is 268 ft (81.8 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US-421 over Poor Fk Cumberland River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.