US Bridges

I-65 over Southern Ditch

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 0.10 MI S of Ky 1065 · Structure no. 056B00110N

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
73 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
132,809
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over Southern Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying I-65 over Southern Ditch in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 69 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 132,809 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 146,089 by 2041. The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long and 185 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.8 mi (27 km).

Location

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CarriesI-65
CrossesSouthern Ditch
Location0.10 MI S of Ky 1065
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.13444, -85.70556
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length73 ft (22.3 m)
Longest span18 ft (5.4 m)
Deck width185 ft (56.5 m)
Roadway width160 ft (48.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic132,809 (2021)
Projected traffic146,089 by 2041
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure10
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.8 mi (27 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-65 over Southern Ditch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is I-65 over Southern 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I-65 over Southern Ditch carry?

About 132,809 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over Southern Ditch?

The structure is 73 ft (22.3 m) long with a longest span of 18 ft (5.4 m) and a deck 185 ft wide.

Who owns I-65 over Southern Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.