US Bridges

Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River

Fair

Hamilton County, Ohio · 0.1 MI E of Lawrenceburg · Structure no. 3134202

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
597 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River in Hamilton County, Ohio. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,100 by 2035. The structure is 597 ft (182 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSuspension Bridge
CrossesWhitewater River
Location0.1 MI E of Lawrenceburg
RouteCounty Highway C0020
CountyHamilton County
StateOhio
Coordinates39.18306, -84.79304
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating52.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length597 ft (182 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2024)
Projected traffic8,100 by 2035
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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 Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Suspension Bridge over Whitewater 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River?

The structure is 597 ft (182 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Suspension Bridge over Whitewater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.