US Bridges

I-71 NB over US 42

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 1 MI N of I-264 · Structure no. 056B00059R

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
255 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
39,160
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 NB over US 42 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-71 NB over US 42 in Jefferson 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 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 39,160 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,075 by 2043. The structure is 255 ft (77.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-71 NB
CrossesUS 42
Location1 MI N of I-264
RouteInterstate 71
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.29556, -85.62778
Functional classUrban 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
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.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length255 ft (77.6 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic39,160 (2023)
Projected traffic43,075 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.1 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 NB over US 42 built?

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

What condition is I-71 NB over US 42 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 January 2023.

How much traffic does I-71 NB over US 42 carry?

About 39,160 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is I-71 NB over US 42?

The structure is 255 ft (77.6 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 NB over US 42?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.