US Bridges

KY-550 over Jones Fork

Fair

Knott County, Kentucky · .15 MI S of JCT Ky 1087 · Structure no. 060B00009N

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
106 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
961
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-550 over Jones Fork is a concrete tee beam carrying KY-550 over Jones Fork in Knott County, Kentucky. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1953, 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.

It carries about 961 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 961 by 2041. The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 18 mi (29 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-550
CrossesJones Fork
Location.15 MI S of JCT Ky 1087
RouteState Highway 550
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.41694, -82.87833
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length106 ft (32.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 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 closed18 mi (29 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$322,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-550 over Jones Fork built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is KY-550 over Jones 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 2023.

How much traffic does KY-550 over Jones Fork carry?

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

How long is KY-550 over Jones Fork?

The structure is 106 ft (32.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns KY-550 over Jones Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.