US Bridges

KY-122 over Bear Fork

PoorPosted for load

Pike County, Kentucky · 2 MI SW of JCT US 23 · Structure no. 098B00067N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
2,089
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-122 over Bear Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-122 over Bear Fork in Pike 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 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 2,089 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,089 by 2039. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-122
CrossesBear Fork
Location2 MI SW of JCT US 23
RouteState Highway 122
CountyPike County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.38583, -82.57639
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating56.4 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,089 (2019)
Projected traffic2,089 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$105,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-122 over Bear Fork built?

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

What condition is KY-122 over Bear Fork 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does KY-122 over Bear Fork carry?

About 2,089 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-122 over Bear Fork?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-122 over Bear Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.