US Bridges

SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR

Poor

Buchanan County, Missouri · S 34 T 57 N R 35 W · Structure no. 17881

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
97 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR in Buchanan County, Missouri. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger than the Missouri average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2044. The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSE Ajax RD
CrossesWhitehead CR
LocationS 34 T 57 N R 35 W
RouteCounty Highway 166
CountyBuchanan County
StateMissouri
Coordinates39.71195, -94.81532
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating20.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length97 ft (29.6 m)
Longest span39 ft (11.9 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2024)
Projected traffic42 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$483,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2023.

How much traffic does SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR?

The structure is 97 ft (29.6 m) long with a longest span of 39 ft (11.9 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns SE Ajax RD over Whitehead CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.