US Bridges

I-71 over Kentucky River

Fair

Carroll County, Kentucky · Sbl .2 MI Sw-Ky 227 Ntrch · Structure no. 021B00042L

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
769 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,629
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 over Kentucky River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying I-71 over Kentucky River in Carroll County, Kentucky. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6 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 20,629 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,580 by 2043. The structure is 769 ft (234.4 m) long and 36 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-71
CrossesKentucky River
LocationSbl .2 MI Sw-Ky 227 Ntrch
RouteInterstate 71
CountyCarroll County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.64306, -85.12472
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.5 US tons
Inventory rating38.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length769 ft (234.4 m)
Longest span320 ft (97.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,629 (2023)
Projected traffic25,580 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 over Kentucky River built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-71 over Kentucky 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does I-71 over Kentucky River carry?

About 20,629 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I-71 over Kentucky River?

The structure is 769 ft (234.4 m) long with a longest span of 320 ft (97.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 over Kentucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.