US Bridges

I-71 SB over Little Kentucky River

Fair

Henry County, Kentucky · 0.4 MI N of Ky 153 · Structure no. 052B00054L

Built
1968
57 years old, rebuilt 2014
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,833
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 SB over Little Kentucky River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-71 SB over Little Kentucky River in Henry County, Kentucky. It was built in 1968 and reconstructed in 2014, so it is 57 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 19,833 vehicles a day, roughly 32% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,592 by 2043. The structure is 231 ft (70.3 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-71 SB
CrossesLittle Kentucky River
Location0.4 MI N of Ky 153
RouteInterstate 71
CountyHenry County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.46083, -85.29083
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.
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 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating47.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length231 ft (70.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,833 (2023)
Projected traffic24,592 by 2043
Trucks32%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 SB over Little Kentucky River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2014.

What condition is I-71 SB over Little 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 2023.

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

About 19,833 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 32% are trucks.

How long is I-71 SB over Little Kentucky River?

The structure is 231 ft (70.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 SB over Little Kentucky River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.