US Bridges

Ky 55 over Town Creek

Fair

Henry County, Kentucky · 0.80 MI S of US 421 · Structure no. 052B00023N

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1993
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
86 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,627
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 55 over Town Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Ky 55 over Town Creek in Henry County, Kentucky. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1993, so it is 89 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.

It carries about 4,627 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,627 by 2043. The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 55
CrossesTown Creek
Location0.80 MI S of US 421
RouteState Highway 55
CountyHenry County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.40333, -85.17639
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.4 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length86 ft (26.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,627 (2023)
Projected traffic4,627 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$388,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 55 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1993.

What condition is Ky 55 over Town 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 55 over Town Creek carry?

About 4,627 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Ky 55 over Town Creek?

The structure is 86 ft (26.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 55 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.