US Bridges

US-45 over Ohio River

FairPosted for load

McCracken County, Kentucky · Ohio River -To Brookport · Structure no. 073B00001N

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
5,340 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
4,520
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US-45 over Ohio River is a steel truss - thru carrying US-45 over Ohio River in McCracken County, Kentucky. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 4,520 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,520 by 2043. The structure is 5,340 ft (1,627.6 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13.7 mi (22 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS-45
CrossesOhio River
LocationOhio River -To Brookport
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMcCracken County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.115, -88.62917
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckOpen grating
Main spans10 (+18 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length5,340 ft (1,627.6 m)
Longest span711 ft (216.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deck10 ft (2.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,520 (2023)
Projected traffic4,520 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13.7 mi (22 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusListed on the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$23.3 million
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US-45 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US-45 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US-45 over Ohio River carry?

About 4,520 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US-45 over Ohio River?

The structure is 5,340 ft (1,627.6 m) long with a longest span of 711 ft (216.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns US-45 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.