US Bridges

KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork

Fair

Calloway County, Kentucky · .40 MI East of JCT Ky 783 · Structure no. 018B00075N

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,319
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork in Calloway 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.

It carries about 1,319 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,319 by 2042. The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-1550
CrossesFork of Middle Fork
Location.40 MI East of JCT Ky 783
RouteState Highway 1550
CountyCalloway County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.58389, -88.38194
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating45 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.2 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,319 (2022)
Projected traffic1,319 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork built?

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

What condition is KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork carry?

About 1,319 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork?

The structure is 53 ft (16.2 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns KY-1550 over Fork of Middle Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.