US Bridges

KY-550 over Terry Fork

FairPosted for load

Knott County, Kentucky · 2.9 MI S of JCT Ky 1087 · Structure no. 060B00005N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
961
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-550 over Terry Fork is a concrete culvert carrying KY-550 over Terry Fork 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 961 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 961 by 2041. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-550
CrossesTerry Fork
Location2.9 MI S of JCT Ky 1087
RouteState Highway 550
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.38222, -82.88472
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
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 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; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic961 (2021)
Projected traffic961 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-550 over Terry Fork built?

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

What condition is KY-550 over Terry Fork 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 Terry Fork carry?

About 961 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is KY-550 over Terry Fork?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-550 over Terry Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.