US Bridges

Ky 61 over Northern Ditch

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 0.5 MI S of Ky 1747 · Structure no. 056B00031N

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
85 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
27,081
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 61 over Northern Ditch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ky 61 over Northern Ditch in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 27,081 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,081 by 2038. The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 61
CrossesNorthern Ditch
Location0.5 MI S of Ky 1747
RouteState Highway 61
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.15, -85.69306
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating90.3 US tons
Inventory rating54.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length85 ft (25.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.1 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,081 (2018)
Projected traffic27,081 by 2038
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 61 over Northern Ditch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 61 over Northern Ditch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Ky 61 over Northern Ditch carry?

About 27,081 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Ky 61 over Northern Ditch?

The structure is 85 ft (25.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 61 over Northern Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.