US Bridges

Mo 81 S over BNSF RR

Poor

Clark County, Missouri · S 1 T 65 N R 8 W · Structure no. 5919

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
203 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
923
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Mo 81 S over BNSF RR is a concrete tee beam carrying Mo 81 S over BNSF RR in Clark 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 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 923 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,338 by 2044. The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesMo 81 S
CrossesBNSF RR
LocationS 1 T 65 N R 8 W
RouteState Highway 81
CountyClark County
StateMissouri
Coordinates40.45948, -91.73525
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length203 ft (61.9 m)
Longest span52 ft (15.9 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic923 (2024)
Projected traffic1,338 by 2044
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed28 mi (45 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Mo 81 S over BNSF RR built?

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

What condition is Mo 81 S over BNSF RR 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Mo 81 S over BNSF RR carry?

About 923 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Mo 81 S over BNSF RR?

The structure is 203 ft (61.9 m) long with a longest span of 52 ft (15.9 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Mo 81 S over BNSF RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.