US Bridges

Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River

Fair

Whitley County, Kentucky · On Laurel - Whitley Cl · Structure no. 118B00092N

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
746 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,469
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 4,469 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,469 by 2043. The structure is 746 ft (227.4 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesGordon Hill 312
CrossesLaurel River
LocationOn Laurel - Whitley Cl
RouteState Highway 312
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.96889, -84.13
Functional classUrban Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length746 ft (227.4 m)
Longest span210 ft (64 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,469 (2023)
Projected traffic4,469 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel 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 March 2021.

How much traffic does Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River carry?

About 4,469 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River?

The structure is 746 ft (227.4 m) long with a longest span of 210 ft (64 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Gordon Hill 312 over Laurel River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.