Irvin S. Cobb Bridge

The Irvin S. Cobb Bridge connects Brookport, Illinois to Paducah, Kentucky across the Ohio River, featuring ten steel truss sections that form its main structure. Its deck is made from open iron grating that spans across the water below.

The bridge was built in 1929 by Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company and Union Bridge Construction Company, replacing the ferry service that had connected the two states. This marked a major shift in how people crossed the river between the communities.

The bridge bears the name of Irvin S. Cobb, a prominent writer and humorist from Kentucky who shaped American letters in the early 1900s. His name connects the structure to the region's literary heritage.

Vehicles must be under 8 feet wide and under 9 feet 6 inches tall to cross safely. The speed limit is set at 25 miles per hour to maintain safe conditions for all drivers.

The bridge's iron grating deck is suspended between 80 and 90 feet above the river, allowing drivers to look straight down at the flowing water beneath them. This see-through construction creates an unusual driving experience that catches many visitors off guard.

Location: Illinois

Location: Kentucky

GPS coordinates: 37.11470,-88.62920

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:55