US Bridges

Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek

PoorPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 150 Ft SE of JCT Ky 7 · Structure no. 067C00048N

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
190
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 190 vehicles a day, projected to reach 190 by 2039. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLow Gap Br
CrossesRockhouse Creek
Location150 Ft SE of JCT Ky 7
RouteCounty Highway 1319
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.20361, -82.85944
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic190 (2019)
Projected traffic190 by 2039
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$136,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek 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 Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek carry?

About 190 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Low Gap Br over Rockhouse Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.