Kentucky Has Some Scary Bridges, But This One in Paducah Takes the Top Spot

Scary Bridges

Are you gephyrophobic? Maybe you are, and you've just never heard that word. If you're afraid of crossing bridges, then you are. I don't know anyone who has full-on gephyrophobia, but I know multiple folks who are very uncomfortable crossing bridges. I think about them when I cross this beast, the Brent Spence Bridge, which, thankfully, is getting a much-needed upgrade.

I'd put the I-71/I-75 bridge at No. 2 if I were constructing a list of the scariest bridges I've ever crossed in Kentucky. It might come off the list when the work is done, but until it's no longer as tight as it is and it still features that hairpin turn on the Ohio side, it'll stay here.

Brookport Bridge in Paducah

The reason the Brent Spence Bridge isn't at the top is that it leaves the driving to me, and I will explain that. Paducah's Brookport Bridge, also known as the Irvin S. Cobb Bridge, does not do that, in that its surface is a series of metal grids which work as grooves and actually move your car around a little as you drive it. It was a bit of an unpleasant surprise. You can see what I'm talking about right here. You can also hear it. Very eerie, in context.

The Irvin S. Cobb Bridge was constructed in 1929. Its full structure is more than a mile long at 5,387 feet, its main span stretches 716 feet, and it scores a 9 out of 10 at HistoricBridges.org.

So when you cross it, after the anxiety subsides, know that you're driving across history.