US Bridges

KY-550 over Turtle Branch

Fair

Knott County, Kentucky · 1.4 MI S of JCT Ky 1087 · Structure no. 060B00007N

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
961
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-550 over Turtle Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-550 over Turtle Branch in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 961 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 961 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-550
CrossesTurtle Branch
Location1.4 MI S of JCT Ky 1087
RouteState Highway 550
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.39528, -82.87806
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 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 closed14.9 mi (24 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-550 over Turtle Branch built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-550 over Turtle Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-550 over Turtle Branch carry?

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

How long is KY-550 over Turtle Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns KY-550 over Turtle Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.