US Bridges

KY-15 over N Fork Ky River

Fair

Letcher County, Kentucky · 0.1 MI W of JCT Ky 15X · Structure no. 067B00009N

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
169 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,037
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-15 over N Fork Ky River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-15 over N Fork Ky River in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 5 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 10,037 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,037 by 2042. The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long and 54 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-15
CrossesN Fork Ky River
Location0.1 MI W of JCT Ky 15X
RouteState Highway 15
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.12139, -82.8425
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length169 ft (51.5 m)
Longest span68 ft (20.7 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,037 (2022)
Projected traffic10,037 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$697,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-15 over N Fork Ky River built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-15 over N Fork Ky River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-15 over N Fork Ky River carry?

About 10,037 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-15 over N Fork Ky River?

The structure is 169 ft (51.5 m) long with a longest span of 68 ft (20.7 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over N Fork Ky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.