US Bridges

KY-69 over Ohio River

Fair

Hancock County, Kentucky · Ohio River @ Hawesville · Structure no. 046B00043N

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
2,709 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,411
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-69 over Ohio River is a steel continuous arch - thru carrying KY-69 over Ohio River in Hancock County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 59 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.

It carries about 7,411 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,411 by 2036. The structure is 2,709 ft (825.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 70.2 mi (113 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKY-69
CrossesOhio River
LocationOhio River @ Hawesville
RouteState Highway 69
CountyHancock County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.90361, -86.74389
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating43.9 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,709 ft (825.7 m)
Longest span825 ft (251.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,411 (2016)
Projected traffic7,411 by 2036
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway, waterway and railroad
Detour if closed70.2 mi (113 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$66.8 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-69 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is KY-69 over Ohio 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does KY-69 over Ohio River carry?

About 7,411 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is KY-69 over Ohio River?

The structure is 2,709 ft (825.7 m) long with a longest span of 825 ft (251.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns KY-69 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.