US Bridges

Bales RD over Meramec River

Fair

Crawford County, Missouri · S 35 T 36 N R 5 W · Structure no. 15773

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
15
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bales RD over Meramec River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bales RD over Meramec River in Crawford County, Missouri. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 15 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 18 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 123.7 mi (199 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBales RD
CrossesMeramec River
LocationS 35 T 36 N R 5 W
RouteCounty Highway 99
CountyCrawford County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.81279, -91.43251
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating20.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15 (2023)
Projected traffic18 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed123.7 mi (199 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 Bales RD over Meramec River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bales RD over Meramec 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Bales RD over Meramec River carry?

About 15 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Bales RD over Meramec River?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Bales RD over Meramec River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.