US Bridges

Old HWY 21 over Creek

Fair

Iron County, Missouri · S 13 T 34 N R 3 E · Structure no. 18092

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 21 over Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying Old HWY 21 over Creek in Iron County, Missouri. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 0.6 mi (1 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld HWY 21
CrossesCreek
LocationS 13 T 34 N R 3 E
RouteCounty Highway 173
CountyIron County
StateMissouri
Coordinates37.64792, -90.66531
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum 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 length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span17 ft (5.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2023)
Projected traffic420 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$263,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old HWY 21 over Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old HWY 21 over Creek 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 Old HWY 21 over Creek carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old HWY 21 over Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 17 ft (5.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Old HWY 21 over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.