US Bridges

KY-550 over Four Mile Branch

Fair

Knott County, Kentucky · 1.3 MI N of JCT Ky 1087 · Structure no. 060B00010N

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
829
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-550 over Four Mile Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-550 over Four Mile Branch 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 6 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 829 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 829 by 2038. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.7 mi (43 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-550
CrossesFour Mile Branch
Location1.3 MI N of JCT Ky 1087
RouteState Highway 550
CountyKnott County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.43194, -82.8725
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.5 US tons
Inventory rating32.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic829 (2018)
Projected traffic829 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.7 mi (43 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 Four Mile Branch built?

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

What condition is KY-550 over Four Mile 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 2024.

How much traffic does KY-550 over Four Mile Branch carry?

About 829 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is KY-550 over Four Mile Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns KY-550 over Four Mile Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.