US Bridges

KY-55 over Cartwright Creek

Fair

Marion County, Kentucky · .76 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 429 · Structure no. 078B00069N

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,391
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-55 over Cartwright Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-55 over Cartwright Creek in Marion County, Kentucky. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 10,391 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,391 by 2042. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-55
CrossesCartwright Creek
Location.76 MI Nor. of JCT Ky 429
RouteState Highway 55
CountyMarion County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.60417, -85.25111
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,391 (2022)
Projected traffic10,391 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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-55 over Cartwright Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-55 over Cartwright Creek 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does KY-55 over Cartwright Creek carry?

About 10,391 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-55 over Cartwright Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns KY-55 over Cartwright Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.