US Bridges

KY-805 over Potter Fork

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 3.0 MI East of JCT Ky 317 · Structure no. 067B00026N

Built
1924
101 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,420
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-805 over Potter Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-805 over Potter Fork in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1924, so it is 101 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,420 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,420 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-805
CrossesPotter Fork
Location3.0 MI East of JCT Ky 317
RouteState Highway 805
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.17778, -82.68111
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,420 (2023)
Projected traffic1,420 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$77,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-805 over Potter Fork built?

It was built in 1924, making it 101 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-805 over Potter 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-805 over Potter Fork carry?

About 1,420 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-805 over Potter Fork?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-805 over Potter Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.