US Bridges

I-75 over Ohio River

Fair

Kenton County, Kentucky · Brent Spence Br over Ohio · Structure no. 059B00046N

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,737 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
132,112
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-75 over Ohio River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying I-75 over Ohio River in Kenton County, Kentucky. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 132,112 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 145,323 by 2040. The structure is 1,737 ft (529.3 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-75
CrossesOhio River
LocationBrent Spence Br over Ohio
RouteInterstate 75
CountyKenton County
StateKentucky
Coordinates39.09056, -84.5225
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.3 US tons
Inventory rating9.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,737 ft (529.3 m)
Longest span830 ft (253.1 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.7 m)
Roadway width92 ft (27.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic132,112 (2020)
Projected traffic145,323 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$21.3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-75 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-75 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does I-75 over Ohio River carry?

About 132,112 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is I-75 over Ohio River?

The structure is 1,737 ft (529.3 m) long with a longest span of 830 ft (253.1 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns I-75 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.