US Bridges

KY-15 over N Fork Kentucky River

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · .7 MI NW of JCT US 119 · Structure no. 067B00104N

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
307 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,229
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-15 over N Fork Kentucky River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-15 over N Fork Kentucky River in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 11,229 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,229 by 2040. The structure is 307 ft (93.7 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesKY-15
CrossesN Fork Kentucky River
Location.7 MI NW of JCT US 119
RouteState Highway 15
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.11194, -82.81083
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length307 ft (93.7 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,229 (2020)
Projected traffic11,229 by 2040
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 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-15 over N Fork Kentucky River built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-15 over N Fork Kentucky 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 2021.

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

About 11,229 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

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

The structure is 307 ft (93.7 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over N Fork Kentucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.