US Bridges

Rt N E over Castor River

Fair

Cape Girardeau County, Missouri · S 5 T 29 N R 11 E · Structure no. 5936

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
261 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,029
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rt N E over Castor River is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying Rt N E over Castor River in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 1,029 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,595 by 2044. The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRt N E
CrossesCastor River
LocationS 5 T 29 N R 11 E
RouteState Highway 0N
CountyCape Girardeau County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.20571, -89.84921
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length261 ft (79.6 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,029 (2024)
Projected traffic1,595 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rt N E over Castor River built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rt N E over Castor River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Rt N E over Castor River carry?

About 1,029 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Rt N E over Castor River?

The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Rt N E over Castor River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.