US Bridges

KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway

Fair

Nelson County, Kentucky · .8 MI S of JCT US 62 · Structure no. 090B00020N

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
262 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,128
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 3,128 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,128 by 2042. The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-55
CrossesBluegrass Parkway
Location.8 MI S of JCT US 62
RouteState Highway 55
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.87167, -85.30083
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length262 ft (79.9 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,128 (2022)
Projected traffic3,128 by 2042
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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-55 over Bluegrass Parkway built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway carry?

About 3,128 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway?

The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns KY-55 over Bluegrass Parkway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.