US Bridges

Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow

Fair

McDonald County, Missouri · S 18 T 22 N R 32 W · Structure no. 1159

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
244 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,051
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow in McDonald County, Missouri. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 3,051 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,407 by 2044. The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBu 71 S
CrossesThief Hollow
LocationS 18 T 22 N R 32 W
RouteState Highway 71
CountyMcDonald County
StateMissouri
Coordinates36.63947, -94.42651
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 20
Structure length244 ft (74.4 m)
Longest span96 ft (29.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,051 (2024)
Projected traffic6,407 by 2044
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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 Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow carry?

About 3,051 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow?

The structure is 244 ft (74.4 m) long with a longest span of 96 ft (29.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Bu 71 S over Thief Hollow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.