US Bridges

Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr

Fair

Jefferson County, Missouri · S 3053 T 40 N R 3 E · Structure no. 21001

Built
1906
119 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
254 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr in Jefferson County, Missouri. It was built in 1906 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 119 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2043. The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBrown Ford RD
CrossesBig Rvr
LocationS 3053 T 40 N R 3 E
RouteCounty Highway 279
CountyJefferson County
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.21236, -90.70609
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, 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 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.7 US tons
Inventory rating18.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length254 ft (77.4 m)
Longest span110 ft (33.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic400 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr built?

It was built in 1906, making it 119 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr 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 Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr?

The structure is 254 ft (77.4 m) long with a longest span of 110 ft (33.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Brown Ford RD over Big Rvr?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.