US Bridges

KY-317 over Wright Fork

Fair

Letcher County, Kentucky · .20 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 805 · Structure no. 067B00012N

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,115
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-317 over Wright Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-317 over Wright Fork in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 5,115 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,115 by 2042. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 32.3 mi (52 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-317
CrossesWright Fork
Location.20 MI N.W. of JCT Ky 805
RouteState Highway 317
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.18167, -82.71722
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,115 (2022)
Projected traffic5,115 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed32.3 mi (52 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-317 over Wright Fork built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-317 over Wright 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 May 2021.

How much traffic does KY-317 over Wright Fork carry?

About 5,115 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is KY-317 over Wright Fork?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns KY-317 over Wright Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.