US Bridges

KY-15 over N Fork Ky River

Fair

Perry County, Kentucky · .10 MI Sou. of Ky 7 Op · Structure no. 097B00019N

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
399 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,773
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-15 over N Fork Ky River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-15 over N Fork Ky River in Perry County, Kentucky. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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.

It carries about 6,773 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,773 by 2042. The structure is 399 ft (121.5 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-15
CrossesN Fork Ky River
Location.10 MI Sou. of Ky 7 Op
RouteState Highway 15
CountyPerry County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.20528, -83.13278
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.8 US tons
Inventory rating43.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length399 ft (121.5 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,773 (2022)
Projected traffic6,773 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-15 over N Fork Ky River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-15 over N Fork Ky River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does KY-15 over N Fork Ky River carry?

About 6,773 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-15 over N Fork Ky River?

The structure is 399 ft (121.5 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns KY-15 over N Fork Ky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.