US Bridges

I-24 over Ohio River

Fair

McCracken County, Kentucky · Ohio River -To Metropolis · Structure no. 073B00100N

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Arch - Thru
Steel
Length
5,634 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
33,107
2018 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-24 over Ohio River is a steel arch - thru carrying I-24 over Ohio River in McCracken County, Kentucky. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 33,107 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,052 by 2038. The structure is 5,634 ft (1,717.2 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-24
CrossesOhio River
LocationOhio River -To Metropolis
RouteInterstate 24
CountyMcCracken County
StateKentucky
Coordinates37.13278, -88.68722
Functional classRural 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+16 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length5,634 ft (1,717.2 m)
Longest span730 ft (222.5 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.9 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,107 (2018)
Projected traffic41,052 by 2038
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-24 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-24 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does I-24 over Ohio River carry?

About 33,107 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I-24 over Ohio River?

The structure is 5,634 ft (1,717.2 m) long with a longest span of 730 ft (222.5 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns I-24 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.