US Bridges

Helton RD over Straight Creek

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · S @ JCT Ky 221 · Structure no. 048C00117N

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
57 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Helton RD over Straight Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Helton RD over Straight Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2026. The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

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CarriesHelton RD
CrossesStraight Creek
LocationS @ JCT Ky 221
RouteCounty Highway 1309
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.87083, -83.44
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating5.2 US tons
Inventory rating3.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length57 ft (17.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width9 ft (2.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2006)
Projected traffic50 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$59,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Helton RD over Straight Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Helton RD over Straight Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does Helton RD over Straight Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Helton RD over Straight Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Helton RD over Straight Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.