US Bridges

Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork

PoorPosted for load

Knott County, Kentucky · @ JCT of Ky 1087 · Structure no. 060C00085N

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
46 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
134
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 134 vehicles a day, projected to reach 164 by 2036. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 7.5 mi (12 km).

Location

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CarriesStarfire Haul Road
CrossesBalls Fork
Location@ JCT of Ky 1087
RouteCounty Highway 1390
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.37194, -83.10611
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.7 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic134 (2016)
Projected traffic164 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed7.5 mi (12 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork carry?

About 134 vehicles per day (2016 count).

How long is Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Starfire Haul Road over Balls Fork?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.