US Bridges

KY-551 over Green River Lake

Fair

Adair County, Kentucky · 3 MI N of JCT Ky 1323 · Structure no. 001B00034N

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
370 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-551 over Green River Lake is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-551 over Green River Lake in Adair County, Kentucky. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2041. The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-551
CrossesGreen River Lake
Location3 MI N of JCT Ky 1323
RouteState Highway 551
CountyAdair County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.205, -85.24694
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating60.1 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length370 ft (112.8 m)
Longest span160 ft (48.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2021)
Projected traffic750 by 2041
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 km)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-551 over Green River Lake built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-551 over Green River Lake 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-551 over Green River Lake carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is KY-551 over Green River Lake?

The structure is 370 ft (112.8 m) long with a longest span of 160 ft (48.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-551 over Green River Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.