US Bridges

KY-55 over Butlers Branch

Fair

Adair County, Kentucky · .05 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 551 · Structure no. 001B00071N

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2021
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,446
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-55 over Butlers Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-55 over Butlers Branch in Adair County, Kentucky. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 7,446 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,446 by 2041. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-55
CrossesButlers Branch
Location.05 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 551
RouteState Highway 55
CountyAdair County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.12528, -85.29556
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating110 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,446 (2021)
Projected traffic7,446 by 2041
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 KY-55 over Butlers Branch built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-55 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 2021.

How much traffic does KY-55 over Butlers Branch carry?

About 7,446 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is KY-55 over Butlers Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns KY-55 over Butlers Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.