US Bridges

Rocky LN over Catron Creek

PoorPosted for load

Harlan County, Kentucky · W @jct Ky 72 S of Bardo · Structure no. 048C00125N

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rocky LN over Catron Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rocky LN over Catron Creek in Harlan County, Kentucky. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2026. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRocky LN
CrossesCatron Creek
LocationW @jct Ky 72 S of Bardo
RouteCounty Highway 1225
CountyHarlan County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.76806, -83.33917
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (2006)
Projected traffic30 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$52,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rocky LN over Catron Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rocky LN over Catron 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 Rocky LN over Catron Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Rocky LN over Catron Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Rocky LN over Catron Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.