US Bridges

KY-556 over Ruin Creek

FairPosted for load

Elliott County, Kentucky · 1.3 Mi. NW Cl Sandy Hook · Structure no. 032B00031N

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
214
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-556 over Ruin Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-556 over Ruin Creek in Elliott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 214 vehicles a day, projected to reach 214 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 2.5 mi (4 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-556
CrossesRuin Creek
Location1.3 Mi. NW Cl Sandy Hook
RouteState Highway 556
CountyElliott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.10139, -83.13417
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic214 (2023)
Projected traffic214 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed2.5 mi (4 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-556 over Ruin Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-556 over Ruin 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does KY-556 over Ruin Creek carry?

About 214 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is KY-556 over Ruin Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns KY-556 over Ruin Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.