US Bridges

US 60 over Kentucky River

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Kentucky · 300 Ft E of E 2nd ST · Structure no. 037B00063N

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
705 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
7,414
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 60 over Kentucky River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 60 over Kentucky River in Franklin County, Kentucky. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 7,414 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,414 by 2040. The structure is 705 ft (214.9 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 60
CrossesKentucky River
Location300 Ft E of E 2nd ST
RouteU.S. Route 60
CountyFranklin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.19639, -84.87417
Functional classUrban Minor 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
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating62.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length705 ft (214.9 m)
Longest span200 ft (61 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,414 (2020)
Projected traffic7,414 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$4 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 60 over Kentucky River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 60 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 60 over Kentucky River carry?

About 7,414 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 60 over Kentucky River?

The structure is 705 ft (214.9 m) long with a longest span of 200 ft (61 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 60 over Kentucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.