US Bridges

Ekman DR over Couch Br

Fair

Linn County, Missouri · S 36 T 59 N R 21 W · Structure no. 19697

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ekman DR over Couch Br is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ekman DR over Couch Br in Linn County, Missouri. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 95 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 35 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 39 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 18 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesEkman DR
CrossesCouch Br
LocationS 36 T 59 N R 21 W
RouteCounty Highway 230
CountyLinn County
StateMissouri
Coordinates39.88547, -93.2023
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadOther
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width18 ft (5.5 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (2024)
Projected traffic39 by 2044
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ekman DR over Couch Br built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Ekman DR over Couch Br 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Ekman DR over Couch Br carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Ekman DR over Couch Br?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 18 ft wide.

Who owns Ekman DR over Couch Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.