US Bridges

County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr

PoorPosted for load

Hickory County, Missouri · S 2 T 37 N R 22 W · Structure no. 13004

Built
1890
135 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
257 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2025 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr is a steel truss - thru carrying County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr in Hickory County, Missouri. It was built in 1890, so it is 135 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 35 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 42 by 2045. The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty RD 281
CrossesPomme De Terre Rvr
LocationS 2 T 37 N R 22 W
RouteCounty Highway 26
CountyHickory County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.9808, -93.31169
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating6.9 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length257 ft (78.3 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2025)
Projected traffic42 by 2045
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr built?

It was built in 1890, making it 135 years old in 2025.

What condition is County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr 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 2025.

How much traffic does County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr?

The structure is 257 ft (78.3 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns County RD 281 over Pomme De Terre Rvr?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.