US Bridges

KY-55 over Beech Fork River

Fair

Nelson County, Kentucky · On Washington - Nelson Cl · Structure no. 090B00022N

Built
1947
78 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
337 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
851
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-55 over Beech Fork River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-55 over Beech Fork River in Nelson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1947 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 78 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 851 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 851 by 2043. The structure is 337 ft (102.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-55
CrossesBeech Fork River
LocationOn Washington - Nelson Cl
RouteState Highway 55
CountyNelson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.83278, -85.29611
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length337 ft (102.7 m)
Longest span85 ft (25.9 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic851 (2023)
Projected traffic851 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 Beech Fork River built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is KY-55 over Beech Fork River 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 Beech Fork River carry?

About 851 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is KY-55 over Beech Fork River?

The structure is 337 ft (102.7 m) long with a longest span of 85 ft (25.9 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-55 over Beech Fork River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.