US Bridges

KY-551 over Butlers Branch

FairPosted for load

Adair County, Kentucky · .50 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 901 · Structure no. 001B00035N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,745
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-551 over Butlers Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-551 over Butlers Branch in Adair County, Kentucky. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,745 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,745 by 2043. The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-551
CrossesButlers Branch
Location.50 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 901
RouteState Highway 551
CountyAdair County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.13583, -85.29167
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.8 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,745 (2023)
Projected traffic1,745 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Butlers Branch built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-551 over Butlers Branch 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 Butlers Branch carry?

About 1,745 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-551 over Butlers Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.8 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns KY-551 over Butlers Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.