The Carl D. Perkins Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Ohio River between Washington Township, Scioto County, Ohio and South Portsmouth, Greenup County, Kentucky.

In July 1978, inspections of the original U.S. Grant Bridge found serious deterioration in its suspension cables.

With future traffic projected to increase compounded with a decline in level of service on the original U.S. Grant Bridge, the Kentucky Department of Transportation (KYDOT) and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) agreed to begin planning for a new bridge.

The 1978 Surface Transportation Assistance Act authorized the construction of a new bridge across the Ohio River in Portsmouth.

It is named after the late Carl D. Perkins, Congressman from the 7th District of Kentucky.