US Bridges

Oval Ave over Owl CR

PoorPosted for load

Daviess County, Missouri · S 17 T 59 N R 29 W · Structure no. 20863

Built
1920
105 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oval Ave over Owl CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Oval Ave over Owl CR in Daviess County, Missouri. It was built in 1920, so it is 105 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 3 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6 by 2044. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesOval Ave
CrossesOwl CR
LocationS 17 T 59 N R 29 W
RouteCounty Highway 278
CountyDaviess County
StateMissouri
Coordinates39.92214, -94.17987
Functional classRural Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12.9 US tons
Inventory rating7.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2024)
Projected traffic6 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$366,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Oval Ave over Owl CR built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025.

What condition is Oval Ave over Owl CR 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Oval Ave over Owl CR carry?

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

How long is Oval Ave over Owl CR?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Oval Ave over Owl CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.