US Bridges

US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River

PoorPosted for load

Jefferson County, Kentucky · At Ky/In State Line · Structure no. 056B00136N

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Poor
inspected June 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
4,926 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
23,881
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 96 years old, older than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 23,881 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,881 by 2040. The structure is 4,926 ft (1,501.4 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 31 (2nd St)
CrossesOhio River
LocationAt Ky/In State Line
RouteU.S. Route 31
Coordinates38.26361, -85.75167
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+21 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length4,926 ft (1,501.4 m)
Longest span820 ft (249.9 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck14 ft (4.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,881 (2020)
Projected traffic23,881 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$34.5 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River carry?

About 23,881 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River?

The structure is 4,926 ft (1,501.4 m) long with a longest span of 820 ft (249.9 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 31 (2nd St) over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.