US Bridges

I-75 over Clear Fork River

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · Nbl 2.5 MI N of Tenn ST L · Structure no. 118B00059R

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
399 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
16,501
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-75 over Clear Fork River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-75 over Clear Fork River in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 16,501 vehicles a day, roughly 31% of them trucks, projected to reach 20,461 by 2043. The structure is 399 ft (121.6 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-75
CrossesClear Fork River
LocationNbl 2.5 MI N of Tenn ST L
RouteInterstate 75
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.62639, -84.11083
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2023
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 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 rating73.4 US tons
Inventory rating44.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length399 ft (121.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.5 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,501 (2023)
Projected traffic20,461 by 2043
Trucks31%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 I-75 over Clear Fork River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-75 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 February 2023.

How much traffic does I-75 over Clear Fork River carry?

About 16,501 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 31% are trucks.

How long is I-75 over Clear Fork River?

The structure is 399 ft (121.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns I-75 over Clear Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.