Shawneetown Bridge

Shawneetown Bridge is a road bridge that carries Kentucky Route 56 and Illinois Route 13 across the Ohio River, connecting the two states with a substantial span. The structure features a cantilevered truss design that supports traffic crossing between the two banks.

The bridge opened in 1955, named after a Kentucky governor and U.S. Senator whose political support enabled its construction. Its opening filled a long-standing need for a major highway crossing over the Ohio River in this region.

The bridge appeared in the 1998 film U.S. Marshals, though the actual crash scene took place several miles downstream in Pope County.

The bridge serves as the primary highway connection between the two states in this remote section of the river. It is straightforward to cross on foot or by vehicle, with standard road conditions and clear markings.

A ferry service resumed operations in 2015 when the bridge underwent deck rehabilitation, specifically to assist farmers transporting equipment across the river.

Location: Kentucky

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1955

Official opening: 1955

GPS coordinates: 37.69110,-88.13140

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00