US Bridges

Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River

FairPosted for load

Powell County, Kentucky · .05 MI S of JCT Ky 11 · Structure no. 099X00001N

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2021
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
827
2006 count
Owner
State
Other State Agency

About this bridge

Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River is a concrete tee beam carrying Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River in Powell County, Kentucky. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 827 vehicles a day, projected to reach 964 by 2026. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesNatural Bridge Sta
CrossesMiddle Fork of Red River
Location.05 MI S of JCT Ky 11
RouteState Lands Road 8023
Coordinates37.78028, -83.68056
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating64 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic827 (2006)
Projected traffic964 by 2026
Trucks—
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerOther State Agency
Maintained byOther State 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 Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red 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 November 2021.

How much traffic does Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River carry?

About 827 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Natural Bridge Sta over Middle Fork of Red River?

It is owned by the Other State Agency.