The Earle C. Clements Bridge, commonly known as the Shawneetown Bridge, is a cantilever truss bridge carrying Kentucky Route 56 and Illinois Route 13 across the Ohio River. Clements was governor of Kentucky in 1947–50 and U.S. senator in 1950–56. The bridge connects Old Shawneetown, Illinois, to rural Union County, Kentucky, where Clements was born, raised and held local office. Opened in 1955, it is the only highway bridge over the Ohio between Paducah, Kentucky, and Evansville, Indiana. Tolls were removed from the bridge June 30, 1978.[1]

Shawneetown Bridge
Coordinates37°41′28″N 88°07′53″W / 37.69111°N 88.13139°W / 37.69111; -88.13139
Carries IL 13 / KY 56
CrossesOhio River
LocaleOld Shawneetown, Illinois and Union County, Kentucky
Official nameEarle C. Clements Bridge
Maintained byKentucky Transportation Cabinet
Characteristics
DesignCantilevered truss bridge
Total length3,200.2 feet (975.4 m)
Width23.9 feet (7.3 m)
Longest span825.1 feet (251.5 m)
Clearance above19.0 feet (5.8 m)
History
Opened1955
Statistics
Daily traffic2,800
Location
Map

The Shawneetown Bridge was featured in a scene in the film U.S. Marshals. The film's crash scene was filmed several miles downstream in Pope County, Illinois.

References

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  1. ^ Bill Powell, Louisville Courier-Journal, July 1, 1978
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