US Bridges

KY-3 over Middle Fork

Fair

Martin County, Kentucky · 2 MI S Ky 645 · Structure no. 080B00031N

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,054
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-3 over Middle Fork is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-3 over Middle Fork in Martin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 3,054 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,054 by 2041. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.7 mi (35 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-3
CrossesMiddle Fork
Location2 MI S Ky 645
RouteState Highway 3
CountyMartin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.8275, -82.55972
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width85 ft (26 m)
Roadway width82 ft (25 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,054 (2021)
Projected traffic3,054 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.7 mi (35 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-3 over Middle Fork built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-3 over Middle 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 2021.

How much traffic does KY-3 over Middle Fork carry?

About 3,054 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is KY-3 over Middle Fork?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns KY-3 over Middle Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.