US Bridges

CR-1355 over Beech Fork

Fair

Harlan County, Kentucky · W JCT US 421 near 25 M/P · Structure no. 048C00110N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR-1355 over Beech Fork is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR-1355 over Beech Fork in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 20 by 2026. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 11 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR-1355
CrossesBeech Fork
LocationW JCT US 421 near 25 M/P
RouteCounty Highway 1355
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.92167, -83.34833
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating83.6 US tons
Inventory rating50 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2006)
Projected traffic20 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$50,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CR-1355 over Beech Fork built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR-1355 over Beech Fork 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does CR-1355 over Beech Fork carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is CR-1355 over Beech Fork?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns CR-1355 over Beech Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.