US Bridges

KY-80 over Balls Fork

Fair

Knott County, Kentucky · @ JCT Ky 1087 @ Vest · Structure no. 060B00074N

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,385
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-80 over Balls Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-80 over Balls Fork in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 3,385 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,385 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-80
CrossesBalls Fork
Location@ JCT Ky 1087 @ Vest
RouteState Highway 80
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.3975, -82.95833
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,385 (2020)
Projected traffic3,385 by 2040
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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-80 over Balls Fork built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-80 over Balls 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 June 2021.

How much traffic does KY-80 over Balls Fork carry?

About 3,385 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is KY-80 over Balls Fork?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m).

Who owns KY-80 over Balls Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.