US Bridges

KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk

FairPosted for load

Knott County, Kentucky · 0.7 MI W of JCT Ky 1697 · Structure no. 060B00003N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,529
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 1,529 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,529 by 2038. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesKY-550
CrossesLeft Frk Troublesome Crk
Location0.7 MI W of JCT Ky 1697
RouteState Highway 550
Coordinates37.35333, -82.93889
Functional classRural Major 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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,529 (2018)
Projected traffic1,529 by 2038
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$177,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk carry?

About 1,529 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns KY-550 over Left Frk Troublesome Crk?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.