US Bridges

CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br

Poor

Johnson County, Missouri · S 15 T 47 N R 25 W · Structure no. 17608

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
80 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
91
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br in Johnson County, Missouri. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 91 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 146 by 2043. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD NE 421
CrossesCottonwood Br
LocationS 15 T 47 N R 25 W
RouteCounty Highway 157
CountyJohnson County
StateMissouri
Coordinates38.86084, -93.65906
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating45.6 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadOther
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width23 ft (7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic91 (2023)
Projected traffic146 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$407,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br carry?

About 91 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD NE 421 over Cottonwood Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.