US Bridges

Ir 71 over Hess Ditch

Good

Ashland County, Ohio · .2 MI S of US250 · Structure no. 0302732

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
118 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
20,834
2015 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ir 71 over Hess Ditch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ir 71 over Hess Ditch in Ashland County, Ohio. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 66 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 20,834 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,918 by 2035. The structure is 118 ft (35.9 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesIr 71
CrossesHess Ditch
Location.2 MI S of US250
RouteInterstate 71
StateOhio
Coordinates40.856, -82.25909
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.3 US tons
Inventory rating60.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length118 ft (35.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.6 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.6 m)
Roadway width81 ft (24.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20,834 (2015)
Projected traffic28,918 by 2035
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionOne-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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ir 71 over Hess Ditch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is Ir 71 over Hess Ditch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Ir 71 over Hess Ditch carry?

About 20,834 vehicles per day (2015 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is Ir 71 over Hess Ditch?

The structure is 118 ft (35.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.6 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns Ir 71 over Hess Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.