US Bridges

KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork

FairPosted for load

Martin County, Kentucky · 0.05 MI E of JCT Ky 1884 · Structure no. 080B00004N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
85 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,045
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork in Martin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 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 1,045 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,045 by 2042. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-40
CrossesRockhouse Fork
Location0.05 MI E of JCT Ky 1884
RouteState Highway 40
CountyMartin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.885, -82.58194
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,045 (2022)
Projected traffic1,045 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 statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$208,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork carry?

About 1,045 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-40 over Rockhouse Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.