US Bridges

SW51 over Rat CR

Fair

Henry County, Missouri · S 4 T 42 N R 28 W · Structure no. 24117

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1989
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
60
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

SW51 over Rat CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SW51 over Rat CR in Henry County, Missouri. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1989, 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 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 60 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 84 by 2043. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSW51
CrossesRat CR
LocationS 4 T 42 N R 28 W
RouteCounty Highway 459
CountyHenry County
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.25529, -93.77244
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic60 (2023)
Projected traffic84 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed0.6 mi (1 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 SW51 over Rat CR built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1989.

What condition is SW51 over Rat CR 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 SW51 over Rat CR carry?

About 60 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SW51 over Rat CR?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns SW51 over Rat CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.