US Bridges

Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek

PoorPosted for load

Letcher County, Kentucky · 1.1 S of JCT 588 · Structure no. 067C00092N

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected May 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50
2019 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek is a concrete slab carrying Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek in Letcher County, Kentucky. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 61 by 2039. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 11 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBridge Loop
CrossesCowan Creek
Location1.1 S of JCT 588
RouteCounty Highway 1613
CountyLetcher County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.09722, -82.85167
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating15 US tons
Inventory rating9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.7 m)
Deck width11 ft (3.4 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2019)
Projected traffic61 by 2039
Trucks—
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bridge Loop over Cowan 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 Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2019 count).

How long is Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.7 m) and a deck 11 ft wide.

Who owns Bridge Loop over Cowan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.