US Bridges

KY-55 over Lincoln Branch

PoorPosted for load

Washington County, Kentucky · .10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 438 · Structure no. 115B00027N

Built
1927
98 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,312
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-55 over Lincoln Branch is a concrete culvert carrying KY-55 over Lincoln Branch in Washington County, Kentucky. It was built in 1927, so it is 98 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,312 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,312 by 2042. The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-55
CrossesLincoln Branch
Location.10 MI Sou. of JCT Ky 438
RouteState Highway 55
CountyWashington County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.75611, -85.25139
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,312 (2022)
Projected traffic1,312 by 2042
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 Lincoln Branch built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-55 over Lincoln Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does KY-55 over Lincoln Branch carry?

About 1,312 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is KY-55 over Lincoln Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns KY-55 over Lincoln Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.