US Bridges

KY-557 over Little Sandy River

FairPosted for load

Elliott County, Kentucky · .05 MI West of JCT Ky 7 · Structure no. 032B00020N

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
447
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-557 over Little Sandy River is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-557 over Little Sandy River in Elliott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 5 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 447 vehicles a day, projected to reach 447 by 2041. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-557
CrossesLittle Sandy River
Location.05 MI West of JCT Ky 7
RouteState Highway 557
CountyElliott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.11417, -83.1175
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 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 width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic447 (2021)
Projected traffic447 by 2041
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-557 over Little Sandy River built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-557 over Little Sandy River 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-557 over Little Sandy River carry?

About 447 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-557 over Little Sandy River?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 35 ft (10.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns KY-557 over Little Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.