US Bridges

Fern DR over Lowes Br

PoorPosted for load

Linn County, Missouri · S 32 T 60 N R 20 W · Structure no. 14903

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Truss - Thru
Steel
Length
59 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fern DR over Lowes Br is a steel truss - thru carrying Fern DR over Lowes Br in Linn County, Missouri. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6 by 2044. The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFern DR
CrossesLowes Br
LocationS 32 T 60 N R 20 W
RouteCounty Highway 79
CountyLinn County
StateMissouri
Coordinates39.97856, -93.16041
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating8.9 US tons
Inventory rating6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTruss - Thru
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+1 approach)
Design loadOther
Structure length59 ft (18 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5 (2024)
Projected traffic6 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$455,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fern DR over Lowes Br built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fern DR over Lowes 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Fern DR over Lowes Br carry?

About 5 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Fern DR over Lowes Br?

The structure is 59 ft (18 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Fern DR over Lowes Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.