US Bridges

KY-261 over Adams Fork

Fair

Ohio County, Kentucky · .65 MI Sou. of Hancock Cl · Structure no. 092B00090N

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
48 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
927
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-261 over Adams Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-261 over Adams Fork in Ohio County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 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 927 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 927 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-261
CrossesAdams Fork
Location.65 MI Sou. of Hancock Cl
RouteState Highway 261
CountyOhio County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.665, -86.65278
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic927 (2023)
Projected traffic927 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-261 over Adams Fork built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-261 over Adams 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does KY-261 over Adams Fork carry?

About 927 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is KY-261 over Adams Fork?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-261 over Adams Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.