US Bridges

KY-551 over Woods Creek

FairPosted for load

Casey County, Kentucky · .1 MI NE of JCT Ky 70 · Structure no. 023B00051N

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
289
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-551 over Woods Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-551 over Woods Creek in Casey County, Kentucky. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 289 vehicles a day, projected to reach 289 by 2042. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-551
CrossesWoods Creek
Location.1 MI NE of JCT Ky 70
RouteState Highway 551
CountyCasey County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.29333, -85.095
Functional classRural Local

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span35 ft (10.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic289 (2022)
Projected traffic289 by 2042
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 Woods Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-551 over Woods Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does KY-551 over Woods Creek carry?

About 289 vehicles per day (2022 count).

How long is KY-551 over Woods Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-551 over Woods Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.