US Bridges

Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad

PoorPosted for load

Kenton County, Kentucky · .75 E Ky 177 · Structure no. 059C00048N

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
116 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
21
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad in Kenton County, Kentucky. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 3 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 21 vehicles a day, projected to reach 29 by 2026. The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesErnest Bridge DR
CrossesCSX Railroad
Location.75 E Ky 177
RouteCounty Highway 1021
CountyKenton County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.93639, -84.46472
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 3 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating5 US tons
Inventory rating3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadUnknown
Structure length116 ft (35.4 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.2 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic21 (2006)
Projected traffic29 by 2026
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$312,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad carry?

About 21 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad?

The structure is 116 ft (35.4 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns Ernest Bridge DR over CSX Railroad?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.