US Bridges

KY-343 over Wright Fork

Good

Letcher County, Kentucky · 1.4 M N of JCT KY-317 · Structure no. 067B00150N

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,324
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-343 over Wright Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-343 over Wright Fork in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,324 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,324 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-343
CrossesWright Fork
Location1.4 M N of JCT KY-317
RouteState Highway 343
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.19778, -82.69028
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,324 (2022)
Projected traffic1,324 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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-343 over Wright Fork built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-343 over Wright Fork in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-343 over Wright Fork carry?

About 1,324 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-343 over Wright Fork?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-343 over Wright Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.