US Bridges

County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl

Fair

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri · S 6 T 29 N R 12 E · Structure no. 17361

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
236 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
110
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger than the Missouri average of 45.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 110 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 176 by 2044. The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty RD 238
CrossesDiversion Chnl
LocationS 6 T 29 N R 12 E
RouteCounty Highway 150
CountyCape Girardeau County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.21515, -89.7669
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length236 ft (71.9 m)
Longest span120 ft (36.7 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.6 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2024)
Projected traffic176 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl?

The structure is 236 ft (71.9 m) long with a longest span of 120 ft (36.7 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 238 over Diversion Chnl?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.