US Bridges

Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek

FairPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · @ JCT Ky 7 near Jeremiah · Structure no. 067C00039N

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
76 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
668
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 668 vehicles a day, projected to reach 668 by 2029. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSpring Branch
CrossesRockhouse Creek
Location@ JCT Ky 7 near Jeremiah
RouteCounty Highway 1342
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.17, -82.93056
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating17.1 US tons
Inventory rating10.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic668 (2009)
Projected traffic668 by 2029
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$228,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek 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 Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek carry?

About 668 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Spring Branch over Rockhouse Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.