US Bridges

US-421 over Southern RR

Fair

Fayette County, Kentucky · 1 Mi. East of JCT Ky 4 · Structure no. 034B00163N

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
739 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
15,257
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-421 over Southern RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US-421 over Southern RR in Fayette County, Kentucky. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 years old, younger 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 15,257 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,257 by 2043. The structure is 739 ft (225.2 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-421
CrossesSouthern RR
Location1 Mi. East of JCT Ky 4
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyFayette County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.06111, -84.51639
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.1 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length739 ft (225.2 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,257 (2023)
Projected traffic15,257 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-421 over Southern RR built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-421 over Southern 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US-421 over Southern RR carry?

About 15,257 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US-421 over Southern RR?

The structure is 739 ft (225.2 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US-421 over Southern RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.