US Bridges

US 421 over Ohio River

Fair

Trimble County, Kentucky · At Ky/In State Line · Structure no. 112B00040N

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
3,146 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
8,975
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 421 over Ohio River is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying US 421 over Ohio River in Trimble County, Kentucky. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger 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 6 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 8,975 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,975 by 2039. The structure is 3,146 ft (958.8 m) long and 49 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 52.2 mi (84 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 421
CrossesOhio River
LocationAt Ky/In State Line
RouteU.S. Route 421
CountyTrimble County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.72861, -85.37
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+7 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length3,146 ft (958.8 m)
Longest span727 ft (221.7 m)
Deck width49 ft (14.9 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck21 ft (6.4 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,975 (2019)
Projected traffic8,975 by 2039
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway and waterway
Detour if closed52.2 mi (84 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 421 over Ohio River built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 421 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 421 over Ohio River carry?

About 8,975 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 421 over Ohio River?

The structure is 3,146 ft (958.8 m) long with a longest span of 727 ft (221.7 m) and a deck 49 ft wide.

Who owns US 421 over Ohio River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.