US Bridges

I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 1.2 MI S of Zorn Ave · Structure no. 056B00168R

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
144 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,088
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad is a concrete tee beam carrying I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 27,088 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,797 by 2043. The structure is 144 ft (44 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-71 NB
CrossesAbandoned Railroad
Location1.2 MI S of Zorn Ave
RouteInterstate 71
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.26417, -85.715
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 inspectionApril 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 rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length144 ft (44 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.7 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,088 (2023)
Projected traffic29,797 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad carry?

About 27,088 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad?

The structure is 144 ft (44 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 NB over Abandoned Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.