US Bridges

I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 1.9 MI N of Zorn Av · Structure no. 056B00065L

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,731
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN is a concrete tee beam carrying I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN 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 26,731 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,404 by 2043. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-71 SB
CrossesBlankenbaker LN
Location1.9 MI N of Zorn Av
RouteInterstate 71
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.29167, -85.67028
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
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.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70.9 US tons
Inventory rating42.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,731 (2023)
Projected traffic29,404 by 2043
Trucks9%
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$750,000
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN built?

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

What condition is I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN 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 SB over Blankenbaker LN carry?

About 26,731 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 SB over Blankenbaker LN?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.