Carl Perkins Bridge

Carl Perkins Bridge is a cantilever bridge spanning the Ohio River between Ohio and Kentucky. Projecting beams extend from towers on each side to support the roadway deck in its distinctive structural form.

The bridge opened in 1988 after replacing an earlier crossing that had structural concerns. It was built to restore a critical river crossing following inspection findings that made the previous structure unsafe.

The bridge bears the name of Carl D. Perkins, a United States Representative who dedicated over three decades to education and health initiatives in Kentucky.

The bridge carries two traffic lanes connecting state highways on each side of the river. Visitors can view the structure from the river banks or experience it while traveling across.

During the demolition of the original U.S. Grant Bridge, this structure provided the sole highway connection between Ohio and Kentucky at Portsmouth.

Location: Ohio

Location: Kentucky

Inception: January 28, 1988

Official opening: January 28, 1988

GPS coordinates: 38.72790,-83.01770

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48