US Bridges

KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake

FairPosted for load

Knott County, Kentucky · 0.1 MI W of JCT Ky 1231 · Structure no. 060B00056N

Built
1972
53 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
632 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,778
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1972 and reconstructed in 2023, so it is 53 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 4,778 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,778 by 2043. The structure is 632 ft (192.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.1 mi (71 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-15
CrossesCarr Fork Lake
Location0.1 MI W of JCT Ky 1231
RouteState Highway 15
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.23, -82.99778
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length632 ft (192.5 m)
Longest span235 ft (71.6 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,778 (2023)
Projected traffic4,778 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.1 mi (71 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake carry?

About 4,778 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake?

The structure is 632 ft (192.5 m) long with a longest span of 235 ft (71.6 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over Carr Fork Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.