US Bridges

Ky 53 over I-71 SB

Fair

Oldham County, Kentucky · 0.65 MI S of Ky 146 · Structure no. 093B00002N

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
18,703
2016 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ky 53 over I-71 SB is a concrete tee beam carrying Ky 53 over I-71 SB in Oldham County, Kentucky. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 18,703 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,703 by 2036. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesKy 53
CrossesI-71 SB
Location0.65 MI S of Ky 146
RouteState Highway 53
CountyOldham County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.4, -85.37444
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width69 ft (21 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic18,703 (2016)
Projected traffic18,703 by 2036
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Ky 53 over I-71 SB built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ky 53 over I-71 SB 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Ky 53 over I-71 SB carry?

About 18,703 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Ky 53 over I-71 SB?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns Ky 53 over I-71 SB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.