US Bridges

US-25W over Clear Fork River

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · 1.5 M N of N-Jct KY-1804 · Structure no. 118B00041N

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 2023
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
379 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
3,011
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-25W over Clear Fork River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-25W over Clear Fork River in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 2023, 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 3,011 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,011 by 2042. The structure is 379 ft (115.5 m) long and 36 ft wide.

CarriesUS-25W
CrossesClear Fork River
Location1.5 M N of N-Jct KY-1804
RouteU.S. Route 25
Coordinates36.65361, -84.13278
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81 US tons
Inventory rating62.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length379 ft (115.5 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,011 (2022)
Projected traffic3,011 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$1.5 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US-25W over Clear Fork River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2023.

What condition is US-25W over Clear Fork 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 2023.

How much traffic does US-25W over Clear Fork River carry?

About 3,011 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US-25W over Clear Fork River?

The structure is 379 ft (115.5 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US-25W over Clear Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.