US Bridges

I-71 over Little Sugar Road

Fair

Gallatin County, Kentucky · Sbl 3.5 MI NE-US127 Ntrch · Structure no. 039B00026L

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
155 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,873
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 over Little Sugar Road is a concrete tee beam carrying I-71 over Little Sugar Road in Gallatin 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 18,873 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,402 by 2043. The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long and 42 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-71
CrossesLittle Sugar Road
LocationSbl 3.5 MI NE-US127 Ntrch
RouteInterstate 71
CountyGallatin County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.77111, -84.7775
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110 US tons
Inventory rating67.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length155 ft (47.2 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.8 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,873 (2023)
Projected traffic23,402 by 2043
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$806,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 over Little Sugar Road built?

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

What condition is I-71 over Little Sugar Road 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-71 over Little Sugar Road carry?

About 18,873 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is I-71 over Little Sugar Road?

The structure is 155 ft (47.2 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.8 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 over Little Sugar Road?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.