US Bridges

KY-551 over Butlers Branch

Good

Adair County, Kentucky · 0.7 MI N of JCT Ky 901 · Structure no. 001B00091N

Built
2023
2 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
1 main span
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 2023, so it is 2 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,745 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,745 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-551
CrossesButlers Branch
Location0.7 MI N of JCT Ky 901
RouteState Highway 551
CountyAdair County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.13917, -85.29028
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating75 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadGreater than HL 93
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 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 closed16.8 mi (27 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-551 over Butlers Branch built?

It was built in 2023, making it 2 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-551 over Butlers Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

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 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns KY-551 over Butlers Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.