US Bridges

Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R

Fair

Iron County, Missouri · S 23 T 35 N R 3 E · Structure no. 13154

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R is a concrete continuous slab carrying Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R in Iron County, Missouri. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 6 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 120 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBufford Bottom
CrossesBr of ST Francis R
LocationS 23 T 35 N R 3 E
RouteCounty Highway 30
CountyIron County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.7217, -90.6632
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourCountermeasures installed to correct a previously existing problem
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.6 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadOther
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2023)
Projected traffic120 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R 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 Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Bufford Bottom over Br of ST Francis R?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.