KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow
FairPosted for loadUnion County, Kentucky · Ohio River Bridge · Structure no. 113B00045N
- Built
- 1956
- 69 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected April 2024
- Type
- Truss - Thru
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 3,200 ft
- 2 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 2,618
- 2021 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow in Union County, Kentucky. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 2,618 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,618 by 2041. The structure is 3,200 ft (975.4 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 55.3 mi (89 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow built?
It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.
What condition is KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow 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 KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow carry?
About 2,618 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.
How long is KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow?
The structure is 3,200 ft (975.4 m) long with a longest span of 825 ft (251.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.
Who owns KY-56 over Ohio River at Shawneetow?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.