US Bridges

I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · 1.4 MI S of Zorn Ave · Structure no. 056B00169R

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

About this bridge

I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek 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 242 ft (73.8 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 NB
CrossesBeargrass Creek
Location1.4 MI S of Zorn Ave
RouteInterstate 71
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.26306, -85.71861
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 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
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.5 US tons
Inventory rating27.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span94 ft (28.7 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
CrossesWaterway
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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek built?

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

What condition is I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek 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 Beargrass Creek carry?

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

How long is I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 94 ft (28.7 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns I-71 NB over Beargrass Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.