US Bridges

KY-550 over Combs Branch

Good

Perry County, Kentucky · .01 Mi. E JCT Ky 476 · Structure no. 097B00118N

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2021
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
34 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,108
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-550 over Combs Branch is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying KY-550 over Combs Branch in Perry County, Kentucky. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,108 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,108 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long and 31 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-550
CrossesCombs Branch
Location.01 Mi. E JCT Ky 476
RouteState Highway 550
CountyPerry County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.3375, -83.12778
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2021
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating110 US tons
Inventory rating68 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length34 ft (10.5 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,108 (2023)
Projected traffic1,108 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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-550 over Combs Branch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-550 over Combs Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2021.

How much traffic does KY-550 over Combs Branch carry?

About 1,108 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is KY-550 over Combs Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.5 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns KY-550 over Combs Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.