U.S. Grant Bridge

The U.S. Grant Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Ohio River, linking Portsmouth, Ohio with South Portsmouth, Kentucky. It carries two traffic lanes and serves as a vital crossing on U.S. Route 23 for the surrounding region.

An original suspension bridge was built in 1927 as a toll structure and was the first private crossing of the Ohio River between Wheeling and Cincinnati in that stretch. In 2006, the structure was replaced with the current cable-stayed design after toll operations ended under state management in the 1970s.

The bridge carries the name of a general who lived in the region and played a key role in American history, connecting two small river communities that have relied on this crossing for generations.

The bridge is open continuously for traffic and provides a direct connection between Ohio and Kentucky on U.S. Route 23. Pedestrians and cyclists can use the bridge, though walkway space is limited along the crossing.

The current bridge sits slightly downstream from the original 1927 crossing, a decision made during the 2006 reconstruction to accommodate modern engineering standards. This shift in location means travelers crossing today are actually using a slightly different route than generations of drivers before them.

Location: Ohio

Official opening: October 16, 2006

GPS coordinates: 38.72472,-82.99806

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:03