US Bridges

KY-3 over Cat Fork

Fair

Lawrence County, Kentucky · 0.1 MI SE of JCT KY-707 · Structure no. 064B00065N

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
203 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,169
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-3 over Cat Fork is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-3 over Cat Fork in Lawrence County, Kentucky. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 1,169 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,169 by 2043. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-3
CrossesCat Fork
Location0.1 MI SE of JCT KY-707
RouteState Highway 3
CountyLawrence County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.18417, -82.68833
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length203 ft (61.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,169 (2023)
Projected traffic1,169 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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-3 over Cat Fork built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-3 over Cat 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 April 2021.

How much traffic does KY-3 over Cat Fork carry?

About 1,169 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-3 over Cat Fork?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-3 over Cat Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.