US Bridges

Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence

Fair

Hamilton County, Ohio · Over Ohio River · Structure no. 3107787

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2022
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel Continuous
Length
1,737 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
163,386
2019 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence is a steel continuous truss - thru carrying Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence in Hamilton County, Ohio. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Ohio average of 47.3 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 163,386 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 226,780 by 2040. The structure is 1,737 ft (529.3 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesIr 71
CrossesOhio River Brent Spence
LocationOver Ohio River
RouteInterstate 71
CountyHamilton County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.09216, -84.52257
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2022
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,737 ft (529.3 m)
Longest span830 ft (253.1 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.7 m)
Roadway width92 ft (27.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic163,386 (2019)
Projected traffic226,780 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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 Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence 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 September 2022.

How much traffic does Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence carry?

About 163,386 vehicles per day (2019 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence?

The structure is 1,737 ft (529.3 m) long with a longest span of 830 ft (253.1 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns Ir 71 over Ohio River Brent Spence?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.