US Bridges

I-65 SB over Ohio River

Fair

Jefferson County, Kentucky · At Ky/In State Line · Structure no. 056B00214L

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 2016
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
2,498 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
35,943
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 SB over Ohio River is a steel truss - thru carrying I-65 SB over Ohio River in Jefferson County, Kentucky. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 2016, so it is 61 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 35,943 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,537 by 2043. The structure is 2,498 ft (761.5 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-65 SB
CrossesOhio River
LocationAt Ky/In State Line
RouteInterstate 65
CountyJefferson County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.26472, -85.74361
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating32.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length2,498 ft (761.5 m)
Longest span700 ft (213.4 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.6 m)
Roadway width91 ft (27.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck17 ft (5.3 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,943 (2023)
Projected traffic39,537 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure6
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 Toll Authority
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$86.9 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 SB over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2016.

What condition is I-65 SB over Ohio River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does I-65 SB over Ohio River carry?

About 35,943 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-65 SB over Ohio River?

The structure is 2,498 ft (761.5 m) long with a longest span of 700 ft (213.4 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns I-65 SB over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency and maintained by the State Toll Authority.