US Bridges

Buffalo RD over Elm Br

Fair

Chariton County, Missouri · S 12 T 55 N R 17 W · Structure no. 17044

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
70 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Buffalo RD over Elm Br is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Buffalo RD over Elm Br in Chariton County, Missouri. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 5 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6 by 2044. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBuffalo RD
CrossesElm Br
LocationS 12 T 55 N R 17 W
RouteCounty Highway 141
CountyChariton County
StateMissouri
Coordinates39.58806, -92.76118
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.7 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2024)
Projected traffic6 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Buffalo RD over Elm Br built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is Buffalo RD over Elm Br 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Buffalo RD over Elm Br carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Buffalo RD over Elm Br?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Buffalo RD over Elm Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.