US Bridges

Is 55 N over BNSF RR

Fair

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri · S 23 T 30 N R 13 E · Structure no. 352

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
156 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
22,967
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Is 55 N over BNSF RR is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Is 55 N over BNSF RR in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 years old, older 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 22,967 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,786 by 2044. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

CarriesIs 55 N
CrossesBNSF RR
LocationS 23 T 30 N R 13 E
RouteInterstate 55
Coordinates37.25809, -89.56715
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span56 ft (17.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,967 (2024)
Projected traffic44,786 by 2044
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Is 55 N over BNSF RR built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Is 55 N over BNSF RR 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Is 55 N over BNSF RR carry?

About 22,967 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Is 55 N over BNSF RR?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 56 ft (17.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Is 55 N over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.