US Bridges

US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR

FairPosted for load

Ballard County, Kentucky · 4.0 MI West of JCT US51&6 · Structure no. 004B00021N

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
5,865 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,344
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR is a steel truss - thru carrying US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR in Ballard County, Kentucky. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,344 vehicles a day, roughly 44% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,344 by 2042. The structure is 5,865 ft (1,787.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-51
CrossesOhio River -Ic (sou) RR
Location4.0 MI West of JCT US51&6
RouteU.S. Route 51
CountyBallard County
StateKentucky
Coordinates36.99472, -89.14472
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
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.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating26.3 US tons
Inventory rating15.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+27 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length5,865 ft (1,787.7 m)
Longest span800 ft (243.8 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deck19 ft (5.8 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,344 (2022)
Projected traffic5,344 by 2042
Trucks44%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad and waterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$20.9 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR carry?

About 5,344 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 44% are trucks.

How long is US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR?

The structure is 5,865 ft (1,787.7 m) long with a longest span of 800 ft (243.8 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns US-51 over Ohio River -Ic (sou) RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.