US Bridges

KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River

PoorPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · @jct Ky 7 @blackey · Structure no. 067B00037N

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
206 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
179
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River is a steel truss - thru carrying KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 years old, older 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 179 vehicles a day, projected to reach 179 by 2039. The structure is 206 ft (62.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5.6 mi (9 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-588
CrossesN Fork Kentucky River
Location@jct Ky 7 @blackey
RouteState Highway 588
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.14028, -82.98028
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.5 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length206 ft (62.8 m)
Longest span101 ft (30.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck13 ft (3.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic179 (2019)
Projected traffic179 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5.6 mi (9 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$594,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River carry?

About 179 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River?

The structure is 206 ft (62.8 m) long with a longest span of 101 ft (30.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns KY-588 over N Fork Kentucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.