US Bridges

Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek

FairPosted for load

Whitley County, Kentucky · .05 MI E of JCT Ky 26 · Structure no. 118C00004N

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
567
2022 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek in Whitley County, Kentucky. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 567 vehicles a day, projected to reach 567 by 2042. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesJacks Fork Road
CrossesWatts Creek
Location.05 MI E of JCT Ky 26
RouteCounty Highway 1029
CountyWhitley County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.80639, -84.12417
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.
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.4 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic567 (2022)
Projected traffic567 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$154,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek 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 Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek carry?

About 567 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Jacks Fork Road over Watts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.